20 Pathogenic Interactions: How Microbial Diseases Spread Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in 20 Pathogenic Interactions: How Microbial Diseases Spread Deck (42)
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1
Q

Define “reservoir”

A

The natural habitat of a microbe that supports its growth & survival, and from where the infection begins

2
Q

Name of an infected human who does NOT show signs or symptoms of a disease, but is still able to transmit the microbe.

A

Carrier

3
Q

What kind of diseases are transmitted from animal reservoirs?

A

“zoonotic” diseases

4
Q

3 mechanisms of transmission?

A
  1. Contact transmission
  2. Droplet transmission
  3. Airborne transmission
5
Q

2 types of contact transmission?

A
  1. Direct contact transmission

2. Indirect contact transmission

6
Q

Most common and important mode of transmission?

A

Contact transmission

7
Q

What is direct contact transmission?

A

Direct, physical contact b/w an infected and susceptible person > microbe gets transferred

8
Q

What is indirect contact transmission?

A

Transfer of microbe from person to an intermediate, THEN to a susceptible person

9
Q

In indirect contact transmission, what is a “vehicle”?

A

An intermediate that is contaminated food and/or water

10
Q

In indirect contact transmission, what is a “fomite”?

A

An intermediate that is a contaminated inanimate object (e.g. doorknob)

11
Q

In indirect contact transmission, what is a “vector”?

A

An intermediate that is an infected animal or insect.

12
Q

Hosts of monkeypox include rodents and monkeys. If they transfer it to another animal, who then passes it on to humans, what kind of contact transmission is this?

A

Indirect contact transmission (via a vector)

13
Q

Define “droplet” transmission:

A

Large drops of respiratory secretions (eg. mucus from a sneeze) that are immediately inhaled after release

14
Q

How far do the large droplets of “droplet” transmission usually travel?

A

<1 m

15
Q

Define “airborne” transmission?

A

Microbes released into the air can float freely, or become associated with dust particles > Dispersed by air currents

16
Q

How soon do “droplets” settle onto a surface?

A

After a few seconds

17
Q

How soon does it take for microbes of “airborne” transmission remain suspended in the air?

A

Hours

18
Q

T or F: Airborne and droplet transmission are the same phenomenon.

A

F

19
Q

3 ways to ctrl the spread of microbial diseases?

A
  1. Ctrl the reservoir (i.e. ctrl at the source)
  2. Ctrl the susceptible pop (i.e. limit number of new hosts)
  3. Ctrl the transmission
20
Q

Why is it difficult to control human reservoirs?

A

Bc they can be asymptomatic carriers of a microbe

21
Q

How can animal reservoirs be controlled?

A
  1. Immunization

2. Slaughter

22
Q

How can environment reservoirs be ctrled?

A
  1. De-contaminate

2. Avoid contact

23
Q

How can a susceptible pop be ctrled?

A
  1. Improve living conditions, general health, and nutrition > maintains strong immune sys
  2. Public ed. > promote vaccination, avoid high-risk behaviours, etc.
24
Q

How can indirect contact be ctrled?

A
  1. Provide clean water and prevent contamination of foods
  2. Remove vectors
  3. Prevent fomite contamination (e.g. use disinfectants)
25
Q

How can airborne transmission be ctrled?

A

Special air flow systems (“neg. pressure” rooms > air continuously flows in > infected ind’s infection can’t flow out)

26
Q

How can droplet/direct contact transmission be ctrled?

A
  1. Barrier precautions (e.g. masks, gloves)

2. Cover sneeze, wash hands,e tc.

27
Q

What is a “Disease Control Network”?

A

Network of inds and organizations who identify, track, and ctrl infectious diseases

28
Q

Number 1 public health practice that’s been the most successful in decreasing the incidence of infectious diseases?

A

Ensuring a clean drinking water supply

29
Q

List two worldwide issues associated with infectious diseases.

A
  1. First-world countries are disproportionately much better off than are third-world countries
  2. New infectious diseases are continuing to appear
30
Q

Define “Healthcare Associated Infections” (HAIs)

A

Infectious diseases that are acquired during the course of delivering or receiving healthcare

31
Q

What 3 things can put pts in a healthcare facility at risk for contracting Healthcare Associated Infections?

A
  1. Pt’s health status and type of medical procedure
  2. Characteristics of the microbe to which the pt is exposed (e.g. are biofilms produced?)
  3. The environment (physical surroundings and infrastructure) (e.g. improper sanitation, overcrowding, excessive movement of pts)
32
Q

2 ways for healthcare providers to acquire Healthcare Associated Infections?

A
  1. from pts via airborne, droplet, contact, etc.

2. from accidental occupational exposure > pathogens present in blood and other bodily fluids

33
Q

To whom are “Routine (or Standard) Precautions” applied?

A

to ALL pts, ALL healthcare providers, ALL the time

34
Q

To whom are “Additional Precautions” applied?

A

to pts known or suspected to be carrying a v. contagious pathogen

35
Q

3 basic elements of “Routine Precautions”

A
  1. Risk Assessment
  2. Risk Reduction Strategies
  3. Education
36
Q

Additional Precautions are undertaken when…

A

routine precautions are not enough

37
Q

Three types of precautions considered “Additional Precautions”

A
  1. Droplet
  2. Contact
  3. Airborne
38
Q

This is a key strategy in all Infection Control and Prevention programs

A

Hand hygiene

39
Q

Why wash hands? (2)

A
  1. Because they get dirty

2. Bc it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce contact transmission of microorganisms

40
Q

In healthcare settings, what kind of soap should be used?

A

Antimicrobial soap

41
Q

Which is better? Alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap?

A

Alcohol-based hand rub

42
Q

What’s the purpose of hand washing?

A

To remove transient (possibly pathogenic) microbes so that they aren’t transmitted (NOT for sterilizing your hands)