Infection
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) in body tissues, which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic
Pathogen
A microorganism that can cause disease
Contamination
The introduction of microorganisms or foreign matter to sterile or non-sterile materials or living tissue
Disinfection
A process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects
Sterilization
A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on inanimate objects
Healthcare-associated infection (HAI)
An infection that develops in a patient during the course of medical care
Standard Precautions
A set of infection control practices used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infectious agent
Transmission-based Precautions
Additional precautions used when standard precautions are not sufficient to prevent the spread of infection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injury or illness
Hand Hygiene
The act of cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to remove germs
Immunity
The state of being protected from infection
Contact Precautions
Practices used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact
Droplet Precautions
Precautions used to prevent the spread of pathogens through respiratory droplets
Airborne Precautions
Precautions used to prevent the spread of infection through very small airborne particles
Direct Contact Transmission
Physical transfer of microorganisms between a susceptible host and an infected or colonized person
Fomite
An inanimate object that can harbor and transmit pathogen
Pathogen
Microorganism capable of causing disease.
Bacteria
Microscopic, single celled organism. Varying in shape, size and arrangement.