Glossary of Key Terms

• Antibiotic-resistant: Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics, making them difficult to treat.

• Disinfection: The process of killing or inactivating microorganisms on non-living surfaces to reduce the risk of infection.

• Droplet Transmission: The spread of infectious agents through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.

• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Infections acquired in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics.

• Microbiology: The scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equipment used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection.

• Standard precautions: Infection control practices that apply to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

• Sterilisation: The process of killing all microorganisms, including spores, on a surface or object.

• Vector-borne Transmission: The spread of infectious agents through the bite of an insect or animal.

• Viruses: Microscopic organisms that require a host cell to replicate and cause disease.