Asepsis: literally, means “free of dirt”
In reality, it is the simple method of preventing the spread of undesirable microorganisms (germs) by washing hands and observing other simple hygiene methods.
Other methods: cleaning under nails, wearing protective garments and facemasks and eye shields.
Cleaning other contact surfaces (fomites) by disinfection.
Pathogens vs. non-pathogens
Microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, spores, ricketsiae, viruses.
Disinfection means killing microorganisms on inanimate surfaces (fomites)
Antisepsis involves killing microorganisms on living tissues that are either injured or getting surgery
The autoclave
A mechanical pressure cooker that kills all living organisms and their spores by high temperature and high pressure. Either modality alone would not be as effective as the two in combination.
Rickettsial diseases carried by ticks, fleas, lice or any insect. Ex. Typhus and Rocky Mtn. spotted fever
Prophylactic use of antibiotics
Antibiotics and virus’ Side effects of antibiotics Superinfections Common cold and influenza Vaccines for virus’ to juice up your immune
system Antibiotic resistance growing each year
Nosocomial Infections
Those we give to our patients About 400,000 patients without infections
enter U.S. hospitals annually and contract an infection there.
About ¼ of them die MRSA’s Methicillin resistant stapholococcus
aureas most often Breaking the chain of infection
Methicillin resistent staphlococcus aureus (MRSA’s) one type of superbug
Others include klebsiella, pseudomonas, neisseria gonorrhea, salmonella, tuberculosis, E. Coli, clostridium, and new ones every year!!
Treatment for MRSA’s
Prevention
Washing hands of healthcare workers
Avoid use of prophylactic antibiosis prior to C & S
Destroy medical waste
Reduce surgical incision size and time of exposure
Autoclave only
Select healthier patients or build up resistance first
Avoid overuse of immunosuppressanats (cortisone)