263 research outputs found
Medical Instruments and Devices
No full textMedical instruments and devices are all instruments, apparatus, devices, substances or other objects designed by the manufacturer for diagnostic or therapeutic use destined for the following purposes:1. Detection, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of diseases 2. Detection, monitoring, treatment, alleviation or compensation for injury or disability 3. Examination, modification or replacement of anatomical structure or physiological processes4. Birth controlPathogen-contaminated medical instruments or devices can be the source of human infections. If they are reusable, measures must be taken before application to the next patient to avoid pathogen transmission
Hospital Infections
No full textThis book provides an evidence-based, practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent fungal infections in a general hospital. It offers a comprehensive overview of the basic medical and scientific background of fungal infections and carefully explains and discusses epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation. Readers will acquire a good and clear perception of invasive fungal infections, including diagnosis and treatment.This user-friendly resource not only serves as a valuable tool in clinical management, but also provides the basis for further research questions and studies in this particular field. It will be a useful companion for midwives as well as for doctors, medical and pharmacy students, nurses and other healthcare professionals
Blood-borne viruses: HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
No full textIn this chapter the epidemiology and transmission pathways of common blood-borne viruses (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV)) are described, with an emphasis on preventive strategies in the hospital setting. Pre-exposure prevention through vaccination is currently available only for hepatitis B. Universal and extended precautions—depending on the degree of exposure—are needed for other blood-borne viruses
Basic immunology
No full textThe immune system consists of a cellular and a humoral component. There is an innate and acquired immunity and specific and non-specific immunity
Infections and infectious doctrine
No full textInfection is defined as the invasion and propagation of a pathogen in an organism and the (immune) reaction of the organism to the pathogen
Gastroenteritis: gastrointestinal infections
No full textGenerally referred to as an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, gastroenteritis is usually associated with vomiting and diarrhoea and has nothing to do with the “real flu” (influenza). Gastroenteritis of various causes is the most common cause of diarrhoea and nausea in children and adults
Immunizations
No full textImmunizing serves to induce a specific immune response or immune modulation to protect against a disease-causing agent. Achieving immune status is possible through active and passive immunization
General Definitions
No full textIn the German-speaking parts of the world, hygiene is the science of the preservation of health and prevention of disease. According to the more up-to-date definition, hygiene comprises all measures for prevention and control of infections
Hand Hygiene
No full textAccording to many experts, humanity is well on its way to losing the effects of antibiotics. Without effective antibiotics, many infectious diseases will be deadly again in the future. From this point of view, the importance of preventing the transmission of infections and their pathogens must be constantly recalled. Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures in the fight against healthcare-associated infections. Hand hygiene is rapid (30 seconds) and efficient in preventing pathogen transmission. To increase healthcare workers’ hand hygiene compliance training and constant reminders of the correct hand hygiene techniques as well as the “5 moments for hand hygiene” are crucial
General and Specific Virology
No full textViruses are subcellular particle of nucleic acid and proteins that do not have their own metabolism. Virus classification is based on individual biological, biochemical, morphological, and genetic criteria, but for the sake of simplification, all viruses are broadly classified as either enveloped or non-enveloped viruses. Virus transmission is possible via several vector routes
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