What does the Chain of Infection describe?

The Chain of Infection describes the steps involved in the transmission of infectious agents, which is vital for understanding how infections spread and how they can be prevented. This concept outlines the sequence that illustrates how infectious diseases can move from one host to another. It typically includes components such as the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Recognizing each link in the chain allows healthcare professionals to implement targeted infection control measures, interrupt the transmission cycle, and ultimately reduce the risk of infections in healthcare settings, especially in nursing homes where vulnerable populations are present. This understanding is essential for effective infection prevention and control strategies.