Breaking the Chain of Infection: Infection Prevention and You
The human body is considered a susceptible host to disease-causing parasites and germs that can easily spread and cause infection. In every pandemic that arises, a percentage of individuals may experience serve and oft times fatal symptoms of a virus, fungi or bacteria. In contrast to this, others are able recover successfully, or better yet, show no signs of infection at all.
It is imperative that every individual in a community maintain high levels of personal hygiene and implement relevant routines and strategies in order to achieve effective infection prevention. In light of this, this article will unpack the fundamental steps required in breaking the so-called Chain of Infection.
Chain of Infection
The Chain of Infection refers to a series of events that occur in order to enable germs to cause infection in an individual. We can assume each element of the process represents a separate “link” to the chain of infection. If we manage to break this cycle, and sever any one part of the chain, we can successfully prevent the spread of infection. As seen in the figure below, the Chain of Infection is comprised of six different ‘links’; pathogen (infectious agent), reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, and the new/susceptible host. Each link has a unique role to play in the chain, and each can be interrupted, or broken, through various means.
The organism
First of all, at the epicenter of the Chain of Infection resides the Organism; an individual plant, animal, or single-celled life form. Above all else, the Organisms we are interested in are classified into unicellular microorganisms (microbes) such as bacteria and viruses. The nature and make-up of a microbe informs us of the types of chemicals, disinfectants and antimicrobial’s one should use.
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The Reservoir
By ‘Reservoir’, we refer to a site where microbes can live, grow and multiply. The ‘reservoir’ can be a person; a patient, family member, client or even a member of staff – however it can also be any part of our surrounding environment. For example, the furnishings in a hospital patient’s room or the equipment used in health care.
The Portal of Exit (from the Reservoir)
The ‘Portal of Exit’ is the means by which the microbes can escape or transfer from the reservoir. For example, a health worker comes into physical contact with a commode (the reservoir) and germs are transferred from the commode to his/her hands. The health care worker’s hands are now considered the ‘Portal of Exit’. Therefore, the Portal of Exit describers the means by which the germs are able to move from the commode to another place.
Other ‘Portals’ are identified as an individuals’ normal excretions (stools, vomit), bodily fluids (blood, saliva) and the air we breathe from our lungs. Non-human Portals of Exit can include equipment, furniture and daily appliances and apparatus that are not regularly cleaned and sanitised. The portal can vary from one infection to another.
The Mode of Transmission
This considers the way in which organisms move, or spread from one place to the next. There are several ways for germs to spread throughout a community. Two of the major modes of transmission are through direct contact and droplet infection. Direct contact refers to close and/or prolonged physical contact with the reservoir (people or items found within our environments; toys, hands, surfaces and appliances). Similarly, droplet infection describes the transfer of organisms through the air by means of coughing, spitting and sneezing.
The Portal of Entry (into the ‘Host’)
The Portal of Entry describes the site through which microbes enter the susceptible host and cause disease/infection. A Portal of Entry is an infectious agent that enters the body through various portals; the mucous membranes, the skin, the respiratory and the gastrointestinal tracts.
The Susceptible Host
Individuals with healthy immune systems have built their own defences which help them fight infection. In this way, healthy individuals are oft times able to ‘fight off’ any harmful microbes that may enter their bodily systems. This ability of the body to defend itself against infection is recognised as “immunity”.
Medical scientists have advised that individuals with compromised immune systems many not be able to fight off infection as effectively. Most noteworthy are elderly individuals and people with underlying health conditions. Consequently these individuals have been shown to be more at risk. These individuals are considered “susceptible hosts” as they are more vulnerable to developing infection after contracting the infectious organisms.
The Infectious Agent
The Infectious Agent is identified as the microbe that causes the infection. Microbes exist in our direct environments, and also inhabit just about every part of the human body, living on the skin, in the gut, and up the nose. Sometimes these organisms can cause sickness, but most of the time, microorganisms live in harmony with their human hosts, providing vital functions essential for human survival.
The problem arises when an organism travels to a new, vulnerable site or host. For example, germs found on our skins surface are normally considered harmless. However, if an individual has an exposed laceration, these microbes may travel into the body and cause infection. In this same light, there are many variations of microbes that are harmful to our health, and will cause infection and disease.
Consequently, it is imperative that we implement regular sanitation practices and adopt habits and routines that promote mindful hygiene in and around our home and work environments. For more information regarding hygiene and sanitation, please read our article Practising good hygiene to decrease the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19). Please note that the material unpacked in this article is applicable to all types of illness and disease prevention. Mindful hygiene should be practised on a daily basis and ought to become part of our daily lifestyles and routines.