What is the first step in the chain of infection?

The first step in the chain of infection is the infectious agent. This refers to the microorganisms that are capable of causing disease, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Understanding that the infectious agent is the starting point is crucial because it establishes the basis for how infections can be spread.

If there is no infectious agent present, there cannot be an infection. Identifying the infectious agent helps in determining the appropriate measures to control and prevent infections. This step sets the stage for the subsequent components in the chain of infection, which involve how the agent exits the source, its mode of transmission, and its potential to infect a susceptible host. Recognizing the infectious agent is essential in infection control practices as it prompts the identification and management of the source of infection.