Chain of Infection
Infection, as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica (2011), is the invasion and multiplication of different pathogenic microorganisms in the body-such as fungi, bacteria and viruses- the body’s reaction to it and the defense mechanisms it activates to counter these pathogens or the toxins they produce. Infections can range from simple to complex ones that can be fatal or debilitating, but because of the continuous researches and studies to protect the human race, antibiotics were discovered. Antibiotics inhibit the release of toxins of these microorganisms or simply fight against them to eliminate the harmful effects they bring about. Luckily, before one can resort to the use of antibiotics that can also have side effects on the body, there are six components that must be established, and can be interrupted, before an infection can occur. That is what we call the chain of infection. The six components include a pathogen, a reservoir of infection, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry and finally, a susceptible host.
For an infection to occur, the most important factor would be the pathogen. There are various infective agents being battled every single day. These pathogens continue to grow, multiply and evolve as humans also continue to find a way to avert their emergence and contend against their harmful effects. One of them is Staphylococcus aureus. “Staph”, as it is more commonly known, is one of the most common causes for skin infection. They are Gram- positive bacteria, spherical in shape and occur in grape-like clusters. These organisms are resistant to high temperatures (as high as 50°C), high salt concentrations and drying (Tolan, 2011). It is a common microorganism and can usually be found in the human axilla, inguinal area or nose. There are a lot of antibiotics that are used to treat staphylococcal infections. They have been found to be most responsive to a group of antibiotics called beta-lactams that include oxacillin,
For an infection to occur, the most important factor would be the pathogen. There are various infective agents being battled every single day. These pathogens continue to grow, multiply and evolve as humans also continue to find a way to avert their emergence and contend against their harmful effects. One of them is Staphylococcus aureus. “Staph”, as it is more commonly known, is one of the most common causes for skin infection. They are Gram- positive bacteria, spherical in shape and occur in grape-like clusters. These organisms are resistant to high temperatures (as high as 50°C), high salt concentrations and drying (Tolan, 2011). It is a common microorganism and can usually be found in the human axilla, inguinal area or nose. There are a lot of antibiotics that are used to treat staphylococcal infections. They have been found to be most responsive to a group of antibiotics called beta-lactams that include oxacillin,
References: A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2011). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA); Hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA). Retrieved from the U.S. National Library of Medicine Database. Bonita, R., Beaglehole,R., and Kjellström, T. (2006). Basic Epidemiology, 2nd Edition. [PDF file]. Retrieved from Moodle. Infection. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/287461/infection Johnson, A. (2007). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Retrieved from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/mrsa.htm Schoenstadt, A. (2008). MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Infection. Retrieved from http://bacteria.emedtv.com/mrsa/mrsa-transmission-p2.html Tolan, R. (2011). Medscape. Staphylococcus Aureus Infection. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/971358-overview