What is the chain of infection?

The six links include: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. The way to stop germs from spreading is by interrupting this chain at any link.

What are the 3 chains of infection?

Course Content

• Infectious agent (pathogen)
• Reservoir (the normal location of the pathogen)
• Portal of exit from the reservoir.
• Mode of transmission.
• Portal of entry into a host.
• Susceptible host.

What are the four elements in the chain of infection?

It is a process that begins when (1) an infectious agent or pathogen (2) leaves its reservoir, source, or host through (3) a portal of exit, (4) is conveyed by some mode of transmission, (5) enters the host through an appropriate portal of entry, and (6) infects a susceptible host.

What is the infectious agent in the chain of infection?

The pathogen The first link in the chain of infection is the infectious agent or pathogen which can take the form of: Viruses – such as Influenza A, shingles and Hepatitis. Bacteria – including Lyme disease and Leptospirosis. Fungi – for example Candidiasis and Aspergillosis.

How does the chain of infection model work?

This model explains the spread of a communicable disease from one host (or person) to another. The basic idea represented in the chain of infection is that individuals can break the chain (reduce the risk) at any point; thus the spread of the disease can be stopped. The host develops signs and symptoms of the new disease.

Which is part of the chain of infection?

1 Infectious agent (pathogen) 2 Reservoir (the normal location of the pathogen) 3 Portal of exit from the reservoir 4 Mode of transmission 5 Portal of entry into a host 6 Susceptible host

How is the spread of an infection described?

The spread of an infection within a community is described as a “chain,” several interconnected steps that describe how a pathogen moves about. Infection control and contact tracing are meant to break the chain, preventing a pathogen from spreading.

How are infectious diseases transmitted from animal to human?

Many of these diseases are transmitted from animal to animal, with humans as incidental hosts. The term zoonosis refers to an infectious disease that is transmissible under natural conditions from vertebrate animals to humans.