Definitions of Infection Control Management

Definitions of Infection Control Management

Infection

Deposition and multiplication of microorganisms in tissues, where they can cause adverse effects is called an Infection.

Sepsis

Presence of inflammation and other signs of illness in a wound colonized by microorganisms and in tissue to which such infection has spread.

Hospital Acquired (Nosocomial) Infection

Infection acquired by hospital staff or by patients while they are in the hospital. Such infection presents more than 48 hours after hospital admission. It is also know as Health Care Associated Infection" or "Nosocomial Infection"

Cross Infection

Infection acquired in hospital from other people either patients or staff is known as Cross Infection.

Bioload

It is the number of organisms suspended in air. Bioload in a room is dependent upon the number of people in a room and their movements. To lower the bioload in critical care areas like ICU's, the humans (visitors) entry to such high risk areas should be strictly restricted.

Community Acquired Infection

Infection acquired by patients before admission to the hospital. Such infection presents within the 48 hours of hospital admission.

Endogenous Infection

Infection caused by microorganisms, which the patient carries on normal or septic areas of the body.

Exogenous Infection

Infection caused by microorganisms from outside the patient's body. The source of such infection could be other patient, staff, medicaments or the environment.

Endemic Infection

Increase in a commonly occurring type of infection/microorganism.

Epidemic Infection

Outbreak of infection due to a microorganism not normally present in the hospital.