NCLEX-PN

Soil Reservoirs: Some fungal agents causing diseases like histoplasmosis reside in contaminated soil. Modes of Transmission: Transmission modes move pathogens from reservoirs to susceptible hosts. ●​ Direct transmission involves pathogen contact with a host's skin or mucous membrane . ●​ Indirect transmission occurs when an object with pathogens is touched by a host . ●​ Droplet transmission involves pathogens spreading through coughs or sneezes . ●​ Airborne transmission occurs when pathogens travel in dust or droplets in the air. ●​ Vehicle transmission is in contact with contaminated soil or water. ●​ Vector transmission involves pathogens carried by insects through stings or bites.

Portal of Exit: The portal of exit is how pathogens leave their reservoir . For example, influenza leaves through coughing, and Lyme disease exits through ticks' infectious bites. Understanding reservoirs and modes of transmission helps prevent the spread of infections. The Susceptible Host, Periods of Communicability, and Stages of Infection Susceptible Host: Certain individuals are more susceptible to infections due to factors like stress, old age, genetics, poor nutrition, underlying health conditions, immunosuppression, medications, and treatments. Infections occur when the body's natural defenses fail.

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