Infection Control and Biosecurity Quiz

Disinfection in Infection Control

• Disinfection plays a crucial role in infection control by reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces, thereby preventing the spread of infection.
• The effectiveness of disinfection depends on various factors, including the type of disinfectant, concentration, contact time, and surface type.

Resistance to Disinfection

• Prions are highly resistant to disinfection, requiring specialized inactivation methods.
• Bacterial spores are also highly resistant to disinfection, while non-enveloped viruses are moderately resistant.
• Lipid-enveloped viruses, such as HIV, are relatively susceptible to disinfection.

Disinfectant Considerations

• When using disinfectants, factors such as concentration, contact time, and surface type should be considered to ensure effective disinfection.
• The importance of contact time lies in allowing the disinfectant to interact with the microorganism long enough to inactivate it.

Mechanism of Action and Potential Harm

• Disinfectants work by disrupting the cell membrane or inhibiting essential cellular processes, leading to the inactivation of microorganisms.
• Some disinfectants can be harmful to humans, animals, or the environment, so it is essential to handle them carefully and follow instructions.

Infection Control Plans

• An infection control plan should include strategies for prevention, detection, and response to outbreaks, as well as protocols for disinfection and sanitation.

Streptococcus Equi (S.equi)

• S.equi is a bacterium that can cause strangles in horses, and is highly susceptible to disinfection.
• An example application for S.equi is in equine veterinary medicine.
• Outbreaks of S.equi are often linked to contaminated water sources, and the bacteria can survive in water for up to 2 months.
• The carriage risk of S.equi typically occurs in the first 4-6 weeks after infection.
• Vaccination is an effective measure for preventing S.equi infection.

Salmonella

• The primary route of infection for Salmonella is through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water.
• Isolated animals should be kept separate from the rest of the population during infection control for Salmonella.
• Before disinfection, it is essential to remove organic material to reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

• One approach to managing CPV is through vaccination and proper sanitation and disinfection protocols.

General Infection Control

• Cleaning and disinfection are crucial components of infection control, and should be performed in a specific order to maximize effectiveness.
• Removing organic material before disinfection is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectant.