How many components comprise the cycle of infection?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
D. Six
Answer
The cycle of infection comprises 6 components.
Infectious Agent: The pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite) that causes the disease.
Reservoir: The environment or host where the pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies for example in humans, animals, water, or soil.
Portal of Exit: The path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir (i.e. respiratory tract, blood, or open wounds).
Mode of Transmission: The way the pathogen travels from one place to another (i.e. direct contact, airborne droplets, or contaminated surfaces)
Portal of Entry: The site where the pathogen enters a new, susceptible host (i.e. broken skin, mucous membranes, or inhalation)
Susceptible Host: An individual with compromised defenses or a lack of immunity who is vulnerable to infection.
Breaking any single link in this 6-step process stops the spread of infection.