Infection Control Keywords

Disease-causing micro-organisms are termed pathogens and mainly consist of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The body’s reaction to infection whereby blood cell activity and antibodies at the site of infection have caused, redness, swelling and the collection of pus (dead white cells)

A person infected with a pathogen that remains in the body but causes no sign of illness

Process by which micro-organisms on one object or person transfer to another object or person (e.g., dishcloth to food)

Micro-organism with the ability to cause disease.

The presence of micro-organisms in the body that causes illness

When something has become infected or polluted

Infection affecting the whole of the body

Infection affecting a specific area of the body, for example a finger or knee

When micro-organisms multiply in the tissues but do not cause signs or symptoms of disease.