PORTALS OF ENTRY

James Rutherford
Unit 7

NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired in

hospitals or other healthcare facilities. In order
for an infection to be considered and classified as
a nosocomial infection, a patient has to be
admitted to the health care facility for something
other than the infection, and show no signs of
infection. A nosocomial infection often occurs:
In

a healthcare facility when admitted for reasons

other than infection.
Up to thirty days after an operation.

TYPES OF INFECTION

There are many types of nosocomial infections.

The most common type of infection is a Urinary
Tract Infection (UTI). In the United States,
there are also other common infections such as
surgical site infection, and pneumonia.
The type of infection acquired by a patient, if any,
depends on why the patient is in the hospital and
what procedure is being received.

RISKS, SYMPTOMS, & TREATMENT

Any patient in any hospital can acquire a nosocomial
infection. Patients admitted into the Intensive Care
Unit (ICU), are at higher risk of developing an
infection.
Symptoms can vary greatly on the symptoms of an
infection depending on the type. Symptoms can
include, but are not limited to, inflammation,
discharge, fever, abscesses, pain at infection site, and
other visible symptoms.
Depending on the type of infection, treatments may
vary. If it is a catheter or other line type infection, the
line is to be removed. If it is an internal infection,
antibiotics can be used to fight many of them.

STAPHYLOCOCCUS
Staphylococcus is a gram-positive spherical
bacteria in the Micrococcaceae family. They are
classified into two major groups called Aureus
and Non-Aureus.
Aureus is one of the major causes of community
and hospital acquired infections.

ADHERENCE AND PORTAL OF EXIT

Staphylococcus is primarily an extracellular
pathogen. It adheres to surface proteins called
microbial surface components recognizing adhesive
matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs). S. epidermidis is
the ability to adhere to plastic and form a biofilm.
Portal of exit can be through the skin or respiratory.
The skin as a portal of exit can be superficial lesions
which would produce an infectious discharge, or
percutaneous which happens through mosquito
bites or use of needles. This port of exit is the route
of many diseases causing respiratory illness, and
the most difficult to control.

EFFECTS ON THE BODY

There are many ways staph can affect the body:

Boils-Most

common type of staph. Pocket of pus

commonly found under arms or around groin.
Impetigo- Can occur in all ages, but mostly common in
young children and infants. Large blisters commonly
found around the nose and mouth. Large blisters that
can ooze fluid.
Cellulitis- Commonly found in the lower legs and feet in
older patients. Deep layer infection of the skin that
causes redness and swelling. Sores and oozing may occur.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome- Toxins from a
staph infection can cause Scalded Skin Syndrome. This
syndrome is most commonly found in newborns. It may
cause fever, a rash, and blistering.

STAPHYLOCOCCUS
Staphylococcus are one of the most common causes of
disease in humans. Most of this bacteria colonize the
skin and mucous membranes of those not infected.
Staphylococcus aureus is capable of producing toxins
that could cause as diverse of diseases such as food
poisoning and toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Skin provides excellent protection against entry of
pathogens. Pathogens tend to enter through more
vulnerable areas such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and
open wounds. Unwashed hand can deliver pathogens
to these areas. Pathogens can also be found in the air,
and in your food. You can also contract these through
vectors from mosquito, flea, and tick bites.

RESPIRATORY
This is the most common site of infection.
Pathogens enter through the mouth or nose as a
person inhales.
Because this site comes in direct contact with the
environment and is exposed to airborne
microorganisms, it is the most common and most
susceptible site of infection.
Children acquire between two and five upper
respiratory infections a year, where as adults
acquire one or two infections a year.

SKIN PORT OF ENTRY

SKIN PORT OF EXIT

RESPIRATORY POINT OF ENTRY