Chain of infection

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Chain of Infection

The Chain of Infection (pronounced: chayn ov in-fek-shun) is a fundamental concept in the field of infectious diseases and epidemiology. It describes the typical process by which infectious diseases are transmitted from one host to another. The term is derived from the Latin words catena (chain) and infectio (infection).

Definition

The Chain of Infection refers to the series of events that need to occur for an infection to spread. This includes six links: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Each link has a unique role in the overall process of infection transmission.

Links in the Chain

  • Infectious agent: This is the pathogen (such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite) that causes the disease.
  • Reservoir: This is the environment in which the infectious agent lives and multiplies. It could be a human, animal, or inanimate object.
  • Portal of Exit: This is the path by which the infectious agent leaves the reservoir. It could be through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, skin, or blood.
  • Mode of Transmission: This is the method by which the infectious agent is spread from the reservoir to the susceptible host. It could be through direct contact, indirect contact, droplet transmission, airborne transmission, vector-borne transmission, or fecal-oral transmission.
  • Portal of Entry: This is the path by which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host. It could be the same as the portal of exit.
  • Susceptible Host: This is an individual who is at risk of becoming infected by the infectious agent. Factors that can make a person more susceptible include age, health status, and immune system function.

Prevention

Understanding the Chain of Infection can help in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. By breaking any link in the chain, the spread of infection can be stopped. This can be achieved through various methods such as vaccination, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and isolation of infected individuals.

Related Terms

External links

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