session 1

AMIRI

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC);

refers to policies, procedures and practices used to prevent or reduce the risk of infections in healthcare settings and the community.

or

refers to a set of practical, evidence-based measures and strategies designed to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings and the community.

It aims to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the public from infections diseases.

It is a crucial component of public health and patient safety that aims to protect both healthcare workers and patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The overall goal of IPC is to achieve safe, effective healthcare practices at all levels of the health care facilities.

1: Standard (universal) precautions

Are a simple set of effective practice guidelines designed to create a physical, mechanical or chemical barrier between microorganisms and a person aiming at preventing infections.

: Infection is a disease state that results from the presence of pathogens (disease producing microorganisms) in or on the body.

is the invasion of a host bodily tissues by organisms causing diseases.

Their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to these organisms and the toxins they produces.Infections are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, prions, bacteria, and viroids, and

Larger organisms like macroparasites and fungi.

Are infections that a patient acquires during their stay in a healthcare facility, which was not present or incubating at the time of admission.

it typically occurs 48 hours hours or more after admission and may also develop after discharge.

4: Sepsis

It is the condition resulting from the presence of harmful microorganisms invading body tissues and the body’s response to their presence, potentially leading to the malfunctioning of various organs or tissues.

5: Asepsis

This refers to the absence of infected matter, freedom from infection or exclusion of microorganisms.

6: Contamination

Introduction of microorganisms on sterile instruments.

7: sterilization

This is a process by which bacteria, spores and other microorganisms are destroyed.

8: Disinfection

Is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from inanimate objects and surface.

9: Decontamination (“decon”) – The removal of harmful substances such as chemicals, harmful bacteria, or other organisms, from exposed individuals, rooms, and furnishings in buildings or in the outside environment.

10: Disease transmission – The process of the spread of a disease agent through a population.

11: Infection control – Measures practiced by health care personnel in health care facilities to prevent the spread of infectious agents.

12: Personal protective equipment – Specialized clothing or equipment worn by a worker for protection from a hazard.

Hand hygiene

Use of gloves, gown, masks, eye protection, face shield, all depending on the anticipated Exposure

Safe injection practices

Respiratory and cough etiquette

Waste disposal

Despite being essential for safe healthcare, IPC faces several challenges, especially in low-resource settings. Key challenges include:

Inadequate Resources

Limited supply of PPE, disinfectants, running water, and hand hygiene materials.

Poor infrastructure like lack of clean toilets, handwashing stations, or waste disposal systems.

Lack of Trained Personnel

Few healthcare workers trained specifically in IPC.

Inconsistent or outdated training and poor compliance with guidelines.

Poor Compliance and Awareness

Staff may ignore protocols due to work pressure, negligence, or lack of understanding.

Low awareness among patients and visitors on basic hygiene practices.

Overcrowded Health Facilities

Makes it difficult to maintain isolation, proper distancing, and cleanliness.

Weak Surveillance Systems

Limited capacity to detect, track, and respond to outbreaks or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Increased resistance makes infection control harder and increases the risk of treatment failure.

Cultural and Behavioral Barriers

Some practices may conflict with local beliefs or norms.

Resistance to change or adoption of IPC measures.

Poor Waste Management

Unsafe disposal of medical waste increases the risk of infection to workers and the public.

Limited Government Support and Policy Implementation

Lack of enforcement of IPC standards and policies in some regions.

also known as nosocomial infections

are infections that a patient acquires while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility, which were not present or incubating at the time of admission.

Common Types of HAIs

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Often associated with urinary catheters.

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Occur after surgery, especially if sterile technique is compromised.

Pneumonia

Especially ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU patients.

Bloodstream Infections (BSIs)

Often linked to central lines or IV catheters.

Gastrointestinal Infections

g., Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections after antibiotic use.

Causes/Risk Factors

Invasive procedures (catheters, surgery, ventilators)

Weakened immune system

Poor hand hygiene and non-adherence to infection control practices

Antibiotic overuse, leading to resistant organisms

Overcrowded hospitals and understaffing

Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)

Escherichia coli

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Clostridium difficile

Prevention

Strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures

Proper hand hygiene

Sterile techniques during procedures

Antibiotic stewardship

Regular surveillance and monitoring

Sources of infection in hospital/dental clinic

Patients

health care workers

Environment & surface

Improper waste Disposal

Dental unit Waterlines

Dental instruments & equipments

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

is a medical treatment given after potential exposure to HIV (or other infections like hepatitis B) to prevent infection.

PEP Protocol for HIV Exposure

Wash the exposed area as an immediate Action (Within Minutes),

For needlestick or cut: wash with soap and water.

For splashes to mucous membranes (eyes, mouth): rinse thoroughly with clean water or saline.

Do NOT squeeze the wound or use harsh chemicals (like bleach).

Report and Document the Incident

Notify the designated supervisor or infection control officer.

Record the type of exposure, source patient information, and time of incident.

Assess the Risk

Type of exposure (e.g., needle prick, blood splash)

Source person’s HIV status (known or unknown)

HIV Testing

Baseline HIV test of the exposed person (before starting PEP)

Source person tested if possible

Initiate PEP

Start within 2 hours, but can be given up to 72 hours after exposure (the sooner, the better).

Do NOT delay while waiting for test results.

PEP Medication Regimen

Duration: 28 days

Recommended Regimen (WHO)

Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir (TLD)

Adherence is crucial for effectiveness.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

HIV testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months

Monitor for drug side effects

Psychological support if needed