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Breaking the chain of infection Pathogens require certain conditions for growth and reproduction. The chain of infection describes these conditions and how interruptions can prevent the spread of infection. All six parts of the chain must work together to continue spreading disease. Make six strips of paper. Write the six links in the chain of infection – one per strip. Then turn them over and give an example on the back of each link for how to break that part of the chain of infection. Connect the strips by gluing the ends together into links and linking them together as you build the chain. To get more creative, add pictures to represent the link: Kleenex for portal of exit, disposable glove for mode of transmission, Band-aid for portal of entry, etc. Be creative, these are YOUR notes! 1. Causitive agent is the pathogen (disease-causing germ). Disinfection (killing pathogens with chemicals), sterilization (destroying all microorganisms with heat), and asepsis (maintaining a clean environment) all help to destroy pathogens. Antibiotics will kill bacteria, but remember that antibiotics don’t work on viruses! 2. Reservoir is a place where the pathogen can live, such as the human body, animals, and fomites (contaminated objects). They like moist, warm, dark conditions and a good food source. Try to keep the body clean and dry to avoid providing growth conditions. Using good personal hygiene, and barriers such as gloves. 3. Portal of exit is how the pathogen leaves the reservoir, such as body openings, wounds, and body fluids. It is important to cover wounds, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and control body fluids. 4. Mode of transmission is how the pathogen moves from the reservoir to a new host. Direct contact with an infected person or their body fluids can spread some pathogens. Others are spread by indirect contact through fomites, breathing airborne pathogens into the air, or the bite of a vector (insect carrying the infection). Transmission can be interrupted through the use of handwashing and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gown, and mask to prevent contact with contaminated surfaces. 5. Portal of entry is a way for pathogens to enter a new reservoir or host, such as breaks in the skin, the respiratory tract, the digestive tract, or the genitourinary tract. Covering breaks in the skin and use of PPE will reduce the number of available portals of entry. 6. Susceptible host is anyone who can contract the disease. People who are elderly, very young, or already sick have a weaker immune system and are more likely to become infected. Immunizations along with common body defenses and maintaining good health reduce the likelihood of contracting an infection.
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