INFECTION AND ITS TRANSMISSION...

 INFECTION AND ITS TRANSMISSION

Infection:

 "Infection" can be defined as lodgment and multiplication of a parasite in or on the tissue of host.

Classification of Infection :

Primary infection: If an individual is exposed to a particular pathogen for first time then it is called Primary infection.

Reinfection: After the initial infection, subsequent infection with the same pathogen in the same host is called as reinfection.

Secondary infection: When the immunity of the host is lowered as a result of primary infection, the host is liable to get infected with some other organisms. This is called secondary infection.

Cross infection: When a patient who is already suffering from a microbial disease, acquires a new infection from another host or another external source, it is called cross infection. Cross infection occurring in hospital is called Nosocomial infection

Hospital acquired (Nosocomial) infection: When a cross infection is acquired by the patient during stay in hospital, it is known as hospital acquired infection.

latrogenic infection: When the infection is acquired as a result of investigative procedure or treatment, it is called as iatrogenic infection.

Acute infection: Infection of short time (few days to few weeks) and high intensity is known as Acute infection e.g. Small pox, chicken pox.

Chronic infection: Infections of long time (few months to years) and low intensity e.g. Tuberculosis, Syphilis.

Auto infection: An infection by disease causing organisms already present in the body but developing in a different body part or a reinfection by microbes or parasitic organisms.

Droplet infection: Transmission of infection by tiny particles of sputum or saliva which spread in air by sneezing, coughing, talking etc.