Infection
Infection
Infection
Terminology Explanation
Pathogens Microbes capable of causing disease.
Represents only a very small
proportion of the microbial world.
Opportunisti Causes disease only in
c pathogens immunocompromised people.
Terminologies
Terminolo Explanation
gy
Infection Process in which a pathogenic organism
enters, establishes itself, multiplies and
invades the normal anatomical barrier of
the host; resulting in disease.
Infectiou When infection becomes apparent
s disease results in clinical manifestation.
Terminologies
Terminolo Explanation
gy
Colonizat Pathogenic organism enters, multiplies but does not
invade, and neither causes disease or nor elicits
ion specific immune response. (not same as normal
flora).
• Commensals are limited to a particular anatomical
site, e.g. intestine, respiratory and genital tract.
When they enter through other routes, they may
behave as pathogen. (Escherichia coli normal flora
in intestine, but when enters through respiratory
tract can be colonization or infection).
Infestatio Distinct from infection in that it applies specifically to
parasites of macroscopic size, such as parasitic worms
n in intestine or arthropods (e.g. lice, itch mite etc.) on
the body surface.
Classification of infections
Terminolog Explanation
y
Primary Initial infection with a pathogenic
infection microorganism in a host.
Reinfection Result of subsequent infection by the
same microbe.
Secondary New pathogen sets up an infection in a
infection host whose immunity is already
lowered by a pre-existing infection.
Classification of infections
Terminolog Explanation
y
Focal Indicates a condition where, due to
infection infection at localised sites (such as in
(or focal the appendix or tonsils), generalised
sepsis) effects are produced.
Cross- When in a patient already suffering
infections from a disease a new infection sets up
from another host or another external
source.
Classification of infections
Terminology Explanation
Nosocomial Cross-infections occurring in hospitals
infections are called nosocomial infections.
Iatrogenic Refers to the infections induced by the
(or professional activity of the physician
physician or other health care workers resulting
induced) from preventive, diagnostic,
treatment.
Classification of infections
Terminolog Explanation
y
Depending on the source of infection
Endogenou Source of infection is within the body,
s infections either normal flora if breeches the
anatomical barrier, or endogenous
reactivation of a latent infection.
Exogenous Source is outside the host's own body.
infections
Classification of infections
Terminology Explanation
Based on the clinical manifestation produced
Asymptomatic or Infection that is active but does
in-apparent or not produce noticeable
subclinical symptoms.
infection
Symptomatic or o Acute infection- here, the
apparent symptoms last for a short term
infections period.
o Chronic infection- symptoms
persist for a long period.
Classification of infections
Terminology Explanation
Based on the clinical manifestation produced
Latent infection refers to an infection that is
inactive or dormant or in hidden
form; but capable of reactivating
later.
Atypical infection -, the usual manifestations of the
disease are not present. Instead,
atypical symptoms may be
present
Epidemiological Pattern of Infection
Terminology Explanation
Endemic Infections that occur at a persistent,
usually low level in a certain
geographical area.
Epidemic Infections that occur at a much
higher rate than usual in a particular
geographic area.
Pandemic Infection that spreads rapidly over
large areas of the world.
SOURCES AND RESERVOIR OF INFECTION
Communicable diseases
Cases or patients
Carrier
Incubatory carriers
Healthy carriers
Convalescent carrier
• Temporary carriers
• Chronic carriers
Animal reservoirs
• Droplet nuclei (<10 µm size) can remain suspended in air for long
periods, and can act as source of infection.
• Droplet (dust) transmission- Larger droplets (>10 µm size) travel
for a short distance, settle down on clothing and other objects
and become a part of the dust.
o Respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus,
respiratory syncytial virus) and Bordetella pertussis.
• Airborne (droplet nuclei) transmission-When the droplet is small
(1- 10 µm), it can travel a long distance; can infect any person it
finds on its way. Primary contact with the source is not necessary.
o Organisms transmitted through this route include agents causing
tuberculosis, measles and chickenpox virus.
Ingestion