Which of the following best describes the correct sequence of elements required for the transmission of infectious agents within healthcare settings?

• A. Mode of transmission, reservoir, susceptible host
• B. Susceptible host, reservoir, mode of transmission
• C. Reservoir, mode of transmission, susceptible host
• D. Mode of transmission, susceptible host, reservoir

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the 'chain of infection,' which describes the sequence of events that allows an infectious agent to spread within a healthcare setting.
2. Identify the key elements in the chain of infection: the reservoir (where the infectious agent lives and multiplies), the mode of transmission (how the agent is transferred), and the susceptible host (the person who can become infected).
3. Recognize that the correct order starts with the reservoir, because the infectious agent must first exist and multiply in a source before it can be transmitted.
4. Next, the mode of transmission follows, as this is the pathway through which the infectious agent moves from the reservoir to the host (e.g., contact, droplet, airborne).
5. Finally, the susceptible host is the last element, as infection occurs only if a person with vulnerability to the agent is exposed through the mode of transmission.