Infection transmission cycle

Dr. A. A. Wegdan

Disease-Transmission Cycle

Infection cannot occur unless all key elements are present

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

I.

Infectious agent

Is the microorganism that can cause infection or disease. Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

II. Reservoir
Is the place where the agent survives, grows, and/or multiplies. People, animals, plants, soil, air, water, instruments and other items used in clinical procedures

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

III. Place of exit
The route by which the infectious agent leaves the reservoir. Bloodstream, broken skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, the genitourinary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, the placenta by means of blood, excretions, secretions, or droplets that come from these sites. For environmental reservoirs, exit may be accomplished by contamination of patient care equipment by microorganisms.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

IV. Mode of transmission
The way in which the infectious agent moves from the reservoir to a susceptible host. Transmission can occur by 5 modes: 1. Contact. 2. Droplet transmission. 3. Airborne transmission. 4. Common Vehicle transmission. 5. Vector transmission.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

1. Contact:
Is the most important and frequent mode of transmission of Hospital-acquired infections. The infectious agent can be transmitted directly from the reservoir to a susceptible host. Through touch or sexual intercourse. It is divided into two subgroups: a) Direct contact: direct body surface-to-body surface contact and physical transfer of microorganisms. b) Indirect contact: contact of a susceptible host with a contaminated intermediate object, such as contaminated medical instruments, needles, or dressings or contaminated gloves.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

2. Droplet transmission:
Occurs via droplets containing microbes generated by the source when they cough, sneeze, or talk or by respiratory tract suctioning or bronchoscopy. Contaminated droplets are propelled through the air a short distance, and are deposited on the susceptible hosts conjunctivae, nasal mucosa, or mouth. Droplets are too heavy to become suspended. Special air handling and ventilation are not necessary to interrupt droplet transmission.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

3. Airborne transmission:
Infectious agent can be transmitted via tiny droplet nuclei (< 5 microns) that remain suspended in the air and that can be carried by air currents at greater distances than large droplets. Droplets are inhaled by the susceptible host. Droplet nuclei may remain suspended in the air for varying periods of time. Special air handling and ventilation are required in order to prevent transmission of these microorganisms.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

4. Common Vehicle transmission:
Infectious agent can be transmitted indirectly from the reservoir to a susceptible host by material contaminated with the infectious agent. Examples of common vehicles include food, blood, water, or contaminated instruments and other items.

5. Vector transmission:
Infectious agent can be transmitted to a susceptible host through insects and other invertebrate animals.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

V. Place of entry
Is the route by which the infectious agent moves into the susceptible host. The infectious agent can enter the susceptible host through: Bloodstream. Broken skin. Mucous membranes. Respiratory tract. Genitourinary tract. Gastrointestinal tract.

Components of the Infection Transmission Cycle

VI. Susceptible host
A susceptible host is a person who can become infected by the infectious agent. Susceptible hosts include patients, health care personnel, ancillary staff, and visitors. Vaccination to specific agents reduces susceptibility to specific agents.

Disease-Transmission Cycle
The most effective method to implement an effective Infection Control Program is to break the disease transmission cycle at any point.