The Chain of Infection
The chain of infection describes the six links required for infection to spread. Breaking any link prevents transmission.
Practice Chain of Infection with PassMate AI →Key Points to Know
What you must know about Chain of Infection
The six links are: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
The reservoir is where the organism lives and multiplies (e.g., humans, animals, environment).
Modes of transmission include contact, droplet, airborne, vehicle, and vector.
Breaking any single link in the chain prevents the spread of infection.
Hand hygiene interrupts the mode of transmission link.
Immunisation and good nutrition reduce host susceptibility.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Memorise all six links of the chain of infection in order.
Breaking ANY link stops infection — a common exam concept.
Hand hygiene targets the "mode of transmission" link.
The reservoir is where the organism lives/multiplies.
Practice Question
Test yourself
In the chain of infection, the place where an infectious agent lives, grows, and multiplies is called the:
Explanation
The reservoir is the habitat where an infectious agent normally lives, grows, and multiplies, such as humans, animals, or the environment. From the reservoir, the agent leaves through a portal of exit to reach a new host.
Want more practice questions on Chain of Infection? Practice with PassMate →
Related topics to study
Standard Precautions
Standard precautions are the basic infection prevention measures applied to all patients to reduce t...
Isolation Procedures
Isolation and transmission-based precautions prevent the spread of specific infections, layered on t...
Master Chain of Infection with AI
Ask PassMate unlimited questions about this topic. Real NMCN past questions, instant explanations, available 24/7.
Start Practicing Now →