Dictionary

Infection control

Organisms, precautions and the practices that stop infection spreading.

hepatitis B virusThe virus that causes hepatitis B, an infection of the liver.

hepatitis CAn infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.

herpes simplex virusA common virus that infects the skin and lining of the mouth or genitals and stays in the body for life.

HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.

HIV testA blood or saliva test that looks for signs of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, its most advanced stage, written together.

HSV-1Herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus that most often causes cold sores and can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2Herpes simplex virus type 2, the virus that most often causes genital herpes.

human papillomavirusA common group of viruses spread by close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sex.

hydrogen peroxideA clear liquid antiseptic that bubbles as it releases oxygen, used diluted to clean and disinfect.

hygieneCare of the body to keep it clean and healthy, such as bathing, mouth care, hair and nail care.

IgGImmunoglobulin G: the most common type of antibody in the blood, which gives long-lasting protection against germs.

immuneProtected against a disease, or having to do with the body's defense system against germs and other foreign things.

immune responseThe way the body recognizes and defends itself against germs and other substances it sees as foreign.

immune systemThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.

immunityThe body's ability to resist or fight off a particular infection or disease.

immunizationThe process of making a person protected against a disease, most often by giving a vaccine.

immunization scheduleThe recommended timetable of which vaccines to give, at what ages and how many doses.

immunocompromisedHaving an immune system that is weaker than normal at fighting infection.

immunodeficiencyA state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.

impetigoA contagious bacterial skin infection, most common in young children.

incubationThe time between catching an infection and the first symptoms; also, keeping something warm so it can grow or develop.

incubation periodThe time between catching an infection and the first symptoms.

indwelling urinary catheterA tube passed through the urethra into the bladder and left in place to drain urine into a bag.

infectionThe entry and growth of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, in the body.

infection controlThe policies and practices used in health care to prevent the spread of infection.

infectiousCaused by germs, or able to spread germs and cause infection in others.

infectious diseaseAn illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.

influenzaAn infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.

influenza vaccineA vaccine, given each year, that helps protect against the flu.

influenza virusThe virus that causes influenza (the flu), a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs.

interferon-gamma release assayA blood test that shows whether a person has been infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

isolationKeeping a client apart from others to stop an infection spreading or to protect them from infection; also, being alone without social contact.

isolation precautionsExtra infection-control measures, added to standard precautions, for clients known or thought to have certain contagious infections.

ivermectinAn antiparasitic drug, taken by mouth or put on the skin, that kills certain worms, lice and mites.

kidney infectionAn infection of one or both kidneys; the medical word is pyelonephritis.

lamivudineAn oral antiviral drug used with other drugs to treat HIV, and alone to treat chronic hepatitis B.

latexNatural rubber made from the sap of the rubber tree, used in some gloves, catheters and other medical supplies.

levofloxacinA fluoroquinolone antibiotic, given by mouth or IV, used for lung, urinary and other bacterial infections.

lindaneA shampoo or lotion that kills lice and scabies mites, used only when safer treatments have failed or cannot be used.

Lyme diseaseAn infection with Borrelia bacteria, spread to people by the bite of an infected tick.

maskA covering for the nose and mouth, worn to block germs or to deliver oxygen.

measlesA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.

medical asepsisClean technique: practices that lower the number of germs and stop them spreading from one person or object to another.

meningitisInflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

methicillinAn older penicillin-type antibiotic, no longer used in treatment, whose name lives on in MRSA.

metronidazoleAn antibiotic and antiparasitic drug that treats infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa.

microbeA living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as a bacterium, fungus or parasite; viruses are often included.

microbiologyThe study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites; also the lab that tests for them.

microorganismA living thing too small to see without a microscope, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.