The 6 principles of the chain of infection, also known as the 6 links of infection, are a set of principles that form the basis of infection control and prevention in healthcare settings. These principles help to identify and break the chain of infection, which is essential for reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The 6 principles are:
1. Infectious Agents: Infectious agents are the microorganisms responsible for causing infection. These can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is important to identify the type of agent responsible for the infection in order to determine the proper course of action for preventing it from spreading.
2. Reservoir: The reservoir is the source of the infectious agent. It is typically a living host, such as a human, animal, or plant, but can also include inanimate objects, such as soil, food, or water.
3. Portal of Exit: The portal of exit is the way in which the infectious agent is able to leave its reservoir and enter the environment. This can include airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated objects.
4. Mode of Transmission: The mode of transmission is the method by which the infectious agent is able to spread from one person to another. This can include direct contact, indirect contact, or through the air.
5. Portal of Entry: The portal of entry is the way in which the infectious agent enters its new host. This can include the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or through open wounds or breaks in the skin.
6. Susceptible Host: The susceptible host is the person who is at risk of becoming infected by the agent. Factors such as age, health status, and immune system can all affect an individual’s susceptibility to infection.
By recognizing and understanding the 6 principles of the chain of infection, healthcare professionals are better able to identify and break the chain of infection, thereby reducing the spread of infectious diseases.