Page 95 - 2020 ARE eGuide for Clinical at Nonhospital Sites

Portal of Exit – Ways a pathogen Infectious Agent – Bacteria,
leaves its reservoir such as from viruses, and fungi may cause HAI.
an infected person’s mouth, Examples of bacteria are
through coughing or speaking, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, C.
the nose through sneezing, cuts, Difficile, and Tuberculosis.
scratches, punctures, or wounds Examples of viruses are influenza
that allow blood/body fluids to and Hepatitis B. An example of
leave the body fungi is yeast.

Reservoir – The most Portal of entry – How
common reservoir (or pathogen enters a host to
source) for healthcare cause an infection such as
associated infections (HAI) broken skin, mucous
is a colonized or infected membranes, catheter sites,
person. Other potential or surgical wounds.
reservoirs are equipment,
food, medications, dust,
bedrails, overbed tables,
computer keyboards,
phones, counters, door, Susceptible host – Many patients are
and sink handles, etc. particularly susceptible to infection such as
surgical patients and those with weakened
immunity because they have certain diseases or
are taking specific drugs.

Method of transmission – How pathogen travels from person to person by direct skin-to-skin contact
or indirect when infected person touches a surface that later a susceptible host touches and picks up
pathogen.
There are three methods of transmission: 1) Droplet. Respiratory droplets come from coughs, sneezes,
or talking. These droplets can travel 3 to 6 feet through the air; 2) Airborne. Airborne particles can
travel a long distance and can remain suspended in the air; and 3) Contact. Blood and other bodily
fluids can transmit pathogens if they contact a susceptible host's broken skin or mucous membrane.