Passed from one person to another directly, through touch, droplet or aerosolization, or indirectly, by using a contaminated object; contagious or able to be spread.

A disorder or abnormal state of a structure or function in a human, animal, or plant.

This should be performed with an approved soap under warm running water, using friction, for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Ensure that the areas between fingers and the dorsal and palmar aspects of both hands are thoroughly rubbed.

This occurs when a patient is cared for in any healthcare setting and acquires an infection. The infection originates in a hospital or facility setting.

An organism in which another, usually parasitic, organism is nourished and harbored for a cell to multiply.

Resistance to a specific disease.

This is the presence and growth of pathogenic microorganisms in a susceptible (lacking resistance) host.

This is an immediate, localized, protective response of the body to any kind of injury or damage to its cells or tissues.

Belonging to the essential nature of something; existing in or belonging at birth.

These are monocytes (large leukocytes) that have left the bloodstream and migrated into the tissues.

The goal of this process is to reduce microorganisms including hand hygiene, separation or isolation of the patient, use of appropriate precautions for the handling and disposal of contaminated articles, and other techniques devised to contain and destroy infectious agents, such as cleaning and disinfection.

The goal of this process is to eliminate microorganisms completely involves the sterilizing of instruments, skin, and other articles that will be used to perform surgery or other types of sterile procedures.

These microorganisms that normally exist in the body and provide natural immunity against certain infections are most often found on or in body systems that have some form of contact with the outside environment.

Any microorganism capable of producing disease.

These are used as barriers to protect a person from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. These barriers include but are not limited to gloves, cover gowns, face masks, eye protection, face shields, and respirator masks.

The ingestion and digestion of bacteria.

This is caused by circulating pathogens in the bloodstream and is most commonly associated with bacterial invasion from gram-negative bacteria.

These precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of microorganisms from one patient to another, as well as to protect the health care worker from unnecessary exposure to infection.

Being predisposed or sensitive to the effects of an infectious disease, allergen, or other pathogenic agent; lacking immunity or resistance.

Used in addition to Standard Precautions. Protective actions and equipment are implemented based on how the organism is spread rather than on the organism itself. Contact, airborne, and droplet transmission are the current modes requiring specific precautions.

Insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and flies transmit diseases through their bites.

A bacteria that requires oxygen to live and grow. Most bacteria need oxygen to live. Exp. Anthrax

A bacteria that can live without oxygen. Exp. E. Coli

The smallest of microorganisms. Visible only with a microscope. Exp. Hepatitis B and C

Tiny, primitive organisms that feed on living plants, animals, and decaying organic material. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Exp. Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) in women.

Organisms that live on or in a host. Rely on the host's nourishment. Exp. Bed Bugs

A place for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. Natural habitat for the organism.

Fever, Leukocytosis, Phagocytosis, Inflammatory Response, and Interferon belong to what part of the immune system.

Skin, GI Tract, Respiratory Tract, Reproductive Tract, Eyes, and Mouth belong to what part of the immune system.

Naturally acquired passive immunity, passive acquired immunity, artificially acquired immunity, and passive artificially acquired immunity belong to what part of the immune system.

Kills microorganisms on inanimate objects.

Kills microorganisms on the skin.

Use of heat/steam to kill microorganisms.

On of the most effective ways to reduce microorganisms on hands.

Helps prevent transmission of infectious agents that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air. Exp. Measles (Rubella), Varicella, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Use in addition to standard precautions for patients with known or suspected serious illness transmitted by large-particle droplets. Exp. Meningitis, Pneumonia, Influenza.

Use in addition to standard precautions for patients with known or suspected severe illnesses easily transmitted by direct patient contact or by contact with items in the patient's room. Exp. E. Coli, Hepatitis A, RSV, Enteric Infections, Viral or hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

A person is most infectious during this stage. Some early signs and symptoms of disease is present.

The period between the pathogen's invasion and the signs and symptoms of infection.

The presence of specific signs and symptoms.

The recovery period from infection.