ENTEROBACTERIA- Produce substance SURGICAL ASEPSIS OR STERILE

called bacteriocins, which are lethal to TECHNIQUE- Practices that keep an

related strains pf bacteria. area or object free of all microorganism
and spores.
RESIDENT FLORA- Normal
microorganisms, yet produce infection SPORES- Microscopic dormant
in another. structures formed by some pathogens
that are very hardy and often survive
INFECTION- Growth of microorganisms
common cleaning techniques
in body tissue where they are not
usually found. (INFECTIOUS AGENT) SEPSIS- Condition in which acute organ
dysfunction occurs secondary to
ASYMPTOMATIC OR SUBCLINICAL-
infection. (affected organ)
Microorganism produces no clinical
evidence. COLONIZATION- Process by which
strains of microorganisms become
DISEASE- A detectable alteration in
resident flora.
normal tissue function.
LOCAL INFECTION- Limited to the
VIRULENCE- Ability to produce disease
specific part of the body where the
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE- If the microorganism remains.
infectious agent can be transmitted to
SYSTEMIC INFECTION- If the
an individual by direct or indirect
microorganism spread and damage
contact or as an airborne infection.
different parts of the body
PATHOGENICITY- Ability to produce
BACTEREMIA- When a culture of the
disease
person’s blood reveals microorganisms
PATHOGEN- Microorganism that causes
SEPTICEMIA- When bacteremia results
disease
in systemic infection
OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGEN- Causes
ACUTE INFECTION- Appear suddenly or
disease only in susceptible individual
last a short time
ASEPSIS- Freedom from disease causing
CHRONIC INFECTION- Occur slowly
microorganism (free from infection)
over a long period of time, and may last
MEDICAL ASEPSIS- Includes all months or year
practices to confine a specific
NOSOCOMICAL INFECTION- Infections
microorganism to a specific area,
that originate in the hospital. Can either
limiting the number, growth, and
transmission of microorganism.
develop during a client’s stay in a facility
or manifest after discharge.
HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATED
INFECTIONS (HAIs)- Originate in any
health care settings
ENDOGENOUS- From the client
themselves
EXOGENOUS- From the hospital
environment and hospital personnel.
IATROGENIC INFECTIONS- Direct
result of diagnostic or therapeutic
procedures.
CARRIER- A person or animal reservoir
of a specific infectious agent that usually
does not manifest any clinical signs of
disease.
SUSCEPTIBLE HOST- Any person who is
at risk for infection
COMPRIMISED HOST- A person at
increased risk, an individual who for one
or more reasons is more likely than
others to acquire an infection.
NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES- Protect the
person against all microorganisms,
regardless of prior exposure.
SPECIFIC IMMUNE DEFENSES- Are
directed against identifiable bacteria,
viruses, fungi, parasites, or other
infectious agents.
INFLAMMATION- A local and
nonspecific defensive response of the
tissues to an injurious or infectious
agent.
REGENERATION- The replacement of
destroyed tissue cells by cells that are
identical or similar in structure and
function.
ANTISEPTIC- Agents that inhibit the
growth of some microorganisms.
Chemical preparation used on skin or
tissue.
DISINFECTANTS- Agents that destroy
pathogens other than spores and by
sterilization
BACTERICIDAL- Preparation destroys
bacteria
BACTERIOSTATIC- Preparation
prevents the growth and reproduction
of some bacteria.
STERILIZATION- A process that
destroys all microorganisms, including
spores and viruses.
MOIST HEAT- To sterilize with moist
heat (such as with an autoclave) steam
under pressure is used because it attains
temperatures higher than the boiling
point.
GAS- Ethylene oxide gas destroys
microorganisms by interfering with their
metabolic processes.
BOILING WATER- This is the most
practical and inexpensive method for
sterilizing in the home.
RADIATION- Both ionizing and non-
ionizing radiation are used for
disinfection and sterilization.
ISOLATION- Refers to measures
designed to prevent the spread of
infections or potentially infectious
microorganisms to health personnel,
clients, and visitors.
STERILE FIELD- A microorganism- free
area.