Word parts
What it means
Any living thing too small to see that can make a person sick. Pathogens include bacteriumbak-TEER-ee-umA tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.Full entry , viruses, fungi and parasites. They spread by touch, droplets, the air, blood and body fluids, food and water, and the chain of infection describes how they move from one host to the next.
For the nurse
Breaking the chain of infection stops a pathogen from spreading: hand hygieneHAND HY-jeenCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.Full entry , standard precautionprih-KAW-shunA step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.Full entry , cleaning equipment and using the right protective equipment. Teach clients to finish an antibiotic course as prescribed.
Remember it
Path = disease, gen = make: a pathogen makes disease.
At a glance
| Spanish | patógeno |
|---|---|
| Also written | pathogens, pathogenic |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.