ABSTRACT
This chapter provides examples of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. It explains how fungi grow, and in which individuals they primarily cause disease. The chapter examines the ways that protozoal infections spread, and provides examples of common protozoal infections. It also identifies the six essential links in the chain of infection: causative agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. The chapter provides examples of diseases transmitted by direct contact, and diseases caused by airborne particles. It then provides examples of personal protective equipment. The chapter also identifies the type of infection control procedure that is the most effective against microorganisms, and explains of how it is utilized. It also explains the difference between surgical asepsis and medical asepsis. Infection control includes the concepts of how disease is transmitted, along with how the body responds. The most important means of preventing spread of infection is frequent, effective hand hygiene.
