1.1 Describe the different types of infection

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe the different types of infection.

In care settings, infections can spread quickly due to the close contact between individuals and the communal nature of the environment. Understanding the different types of infection in these settings is important to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe. In this guide, we cover some of the most common types of infections in care settings.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria invade the body. These infections can happen in various parts of the body, including the lungs, urinary tract, bloodstream, or skin. Common bacterial infections in care settings include:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Often caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), UTIs are common among individuals using catheters or those with weaker immune systems, such as elderly care home residents. Symptoms can include pain during urination, fever, or urgency to urinate.
• Wound Infections: These occur when bacteria infect open wounds. They can cause redness, swelling, and discharge. For example, infections like cellulitis develop when bacteria spread under the skin, often due to minor injuries or surgical wounds.
• Respiratory Infections: Bacterial pneumonia, often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is common in care settings where individuals have pre-existing respiratory conditions or weakened immunity.

Bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics. However, some bacteria, like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), develop antibiotic resistance, making treatment challenging.

Viral Infections

Viral infections are caused by viruses, which are tiny organisms that can only replicate inside living cells. These infections are highly contagious in care environments. Common examples include:

• Influenza (Flu): Flu is a seasonal virus that spreads easily, especially in settings where individuals share communal spaces. Symptoms include fever, coughing, muscle aches, and fatigue. Elderly or immunocompromised individuals in care homes are at higher risk of severe illness.
• Norovirus: Known as the “winter vomiting bug,” norovirus causes stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It spreads rapidly in care settings because it can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, or close contact.
• Viral Respiratory Infections: Conditions like the common cold or Covid-19 belong to this category. These viruses can spread through airborne droplets, posing risks to both staff and patients.

Preventing viral infections often involves hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and isolating individuals displaying symptoms.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections develop when fungi invade the body. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments. Common fungal infections in care settings include:

• Athlete’s Foot: This fungal infection is caused by Tinea pedis and affects the feet. It is commonly spread in communal showers or areas where individuals walk barefoot.
• Oral Thrush: Caused by Candida albicans, oral thrush is common among patients undergoing treatments that lower immunity, such as chemotherapy. It is characterised by white patches in the mouth.
• Fungal Skin Infections: Conditions like ringworm or candida skin infections can affect individuals who wear tight bandages or experience excessive sweating.

Fungal infections are often treated with topical or oral antifungal medications. Preventative measures include keeping affected areas dry and maintaining good hygiene.

Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections are caused by parasites, which are organisms that live on or within a host to survive. Though less common in care settings than bacterial or viral infections, they may still occur. Examples include:

• Scabies: This skin condition is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin, causing intense itching. Scabies spreads through direct skin contact, making it easy to transmission within care settings.
• Head Lice: Head lice are tiny insects that infest the scalp, causing itching and irritation. They spread through contact with hair, brushes, or bedding.
• Intestinal Parasites: In rare cases, parasitic infections like giardiasis can occur due to contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, and stomach pain.

Treatments for parasitic infections often involve medicated lotions, shampoos, or oral drugs. Early detection prevents the spread of these infections.

Bloodborne Infections

Bloodborne infections spread through direct contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids. These are particularly relevant in medical and care settings that involve procedures like injections or blood transfusions. Common examples include:

• Hepatitis B and C: These infections affect the liver. They are caused by bloodborne viruses (HBV and HCV) that spread through needle-sharing, unsterilised equipment, or direct exposure to infected blood.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV attacks the immune system and can permanently weaken it if untreated. It spreads through contact with infected blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk.

Strict infection control practices, like the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe disposal of needles, and ensuring single-use medical instruments, are crucial to preventing the transmission of bloodborne infections.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

These infections occur during a patient’s stay in a care setting or due to medical treatments. HAIs can include bacterial, viral, fungal, or bloodborne infections. Common examples are:

• MRSA: This bacterial infection is resistant to many antibiotics and often spreads in hospitals and care homes. It can cause severe skin infections, bloodstream infections, or pneumonia.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff): This bacterial infection affects the digestive system. It often occurs after antibiotic use, particularly in elderly or long-term care patients. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and severe stomach pain.
• Urinary Infections Linked to Catheters: Catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to infections.

Preventing HAIs involves good hand hygiene, staff training, and monitoring infection outbreaks closely.

Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections develop when the immune system is compromised and unable to fight off normally harmless organisms. These infections are common in individuals with weakened immunity, such as care home residents, or people undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. Examples include:

• Pneumocystis Pneumonia: This type of fungal pneumonia affects individuals with HIV or cancer, where immune defences are low.
• Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is more likely to occur in care settings where individuals have conditions weakening their immunity, such as diabetes or HIV.

Staff should monitor at-risk individuals for signs of opportunistic infections as early intervention can reduce risks.

Zoonotic Infections

Zoonotic infections come from animals and can spread to humans. While rare, these infections can occur in care settings that use animal-assisted therapy. Examples include:

• Salmonella Infection: Often spread through contaminated animal faeces, salmonella causes gastrointestinal issues.
• Psittacosis: This bacterial infection comes from birds and affects the respiratory system. It can cause fever, headache, and cough.

Hand washing after handling animals and conducting risk assessments prior to introducing pet therapy helps prevent these types of infections.

Preventing Infection in Care Settings

Preventing infections requires strict adherence to hygiene and control measures.

Recommendations include:

• Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use of personal protective equipment, like gloves, aprons, and masks, when providing direct care.
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Proper disposal of medical waste and sharps.
• Immediate isolation of residents showing symptoms of contagious infections.
• Educating staff, residents, and visitors about the importance of infection control.

Final Thoughts

Infections are always present in care settings, but understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatments helps reduce risks. Proactive measures protect everyone involved, maintaining a safe environment in care settings.