What it means
The reservoir is one link in the chain of infection: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry and susceptible host. Breaking any link stops the spread. People can be reservoirs without being sick. The word also means a container that holds fluid, as in a wound drain.
For the nurse
Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment, empty standing water and keep sinks and humidifiers clean to remove reservoirs.
At a glance
| Spanish | reservorio |
|---|---|
| Also written | reservoirs |
Related terms
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
colonization
Having germs living on or in the body without causing illness.