The chain of infection - click on the text to find

out more

Infectious / Causative Agent - eg

staphylococcus (MRSA etc), C.

Diff, Coliforms

Reservior - Infected Patient

Portal of exit: patient passes stool,

bacteria released in secretions e.g.

from wounds, nose etc. This

contaminates the environment of

staff hands

Mode of transmission: STAFF

HANDS pick up live organisms

or spores and carry them -

hence hand hygiene for all staff

being paramount to Infection

Prevention

Portal of entry to host: open

wounds, lines, mouth (C. diff)

Susceptible host: patients,

especially the most vulnerable

ones - open wounds, antibiotics

harmed normal protective flora,

lines, immunosuppressed etc

Multiplies in the patient and the

chain goes on

It is up to you to break the chain