Endoscope reprocessing: chapter 4

Vector

An organism that carries and transmits pathogens to humans or other animals.

Nosocomial

Hospital acquired infection

Gastrointestinal disease

Water that has been contaminated by the feces of humans and other animals is most notably responsible for:

Parenteral route

When there is a break in the skin and normal flora are allowed to infect. Nick, cut or abrasion on the skin

Fomite

any inanimate object to which infectious material adheres and can be transmitted.

Droplet transmission

microorganisms spread through exhaled liquid particles that come in contact with mucous membrane of susceptible person. EX: flu, mumps, pertussis, meningitis caused by n.meningitides or haemophilus influzenzae type b

Direct contact transmission

of infectious disease involves person-to-person spread by bodily contact. Principal route of transmission of healthcare-acquired infections from hospital staff to patients.

Hand washing

this is the single best method of limiting the spread of microorganisms