PRELIM│PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASEPSIS

Infection Control – it is one of the major concerns that healthcare workers in healthcare facilities and
hospitals constantly address.

TERMINOLOGIES

1. Chain infection – how an individual acquires and transmits infection, the source and reservoir.
2. Mode of transmission - manner of infection acquired by the host.
3. Standard precautions – specific measures to prevent infection among all patients and healthcare
workers.
4. Contamination –contact of sterile or aseptic item with microorganism
5. Decontamination –physical or chemical means to remove or destroy pathogens on a surface.
6. Disinfection –process of physical and chemical means to destroy pathogens excluding the spores.
7. Sterilization –methods of physical and chemical sterilization in which all pathogens are destroyed
including spores.
8. Antiseptic – chemical solution inhibits the growth of some microorganisms. (e.g.: alcohol, iodine)
9. Healthcare-associated Infection –any infection acquired by the patient upon admission. ex UTI
10. Iatrogenic Infection – acquired while undergoing diagnostic tests or procedures.
11. Occupational exposure – exposure to infectious agents of healthcare during his work.
12. PPE (personal protective equipment) - specialized equipment and attire used by healthcare workers to
protect from infection. ex. gloves, mask, gowns, goggles

ASEPSIS - individual free of any microorganism

SEPSIS - opposite to asepsis, individuals develop a systemic reaction to bacterial infection starting with
localized infection in one part of the body.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASEPSIS

Medical Asepsis – refers to the absence of disease-producing microorganisms. It helps reduce the spread of
infections.
Surgical Asepsis – refers to the absence of all microorganisms. It involves procedures that aim to eliminate
microorganisms.

Handwashing – the most basic procedure for preventing the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.

Factors that play a role in the occurrence of infection in patients:

1. suppression of the immune system

2. prolong the duration of illness
3. insertion of in-dwelling catheters, use of antibiotics and insertions of IV lines or endotracheal tubes
commonly pathogenic lead to non-nosocomial infections
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Enterococcus

GENERAL ASEPTIC PROCEDURES

• frequent handwashing
• prompt and safe disposal of contaminated materials (bandages, needles)
• regular checking and emptying of containers for surgical drains.
• prompt cleaning of soiled or moist areas
• proper labelling of containers regarding the date and time of disposal