Which term refers to all activities to prevent infection or break the chain of infection?

• A. Asepsis
• B. Disinfection
• C. Sterilization
• D. Vaccination

Answer: (A)

Asepsis is the practice of keeping things free from pathogens and preventing the spread of infection. It covers the whole range of activities used to prevent infection and interrupt transmission, including hand hygiene, sterile technique, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, use of protective equipment, and vaccination when appropriate. By addressing each link in the chain of infection, asepsis provides comprehensive protection in care settings.

Disinfection and sterilization are specific tools within asepsis. Disinfection reduces or eliminates pathogens on surfaces and objects, but doesn’t address living tissues or every infection-control measure. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms on inanimate objects, but isn’t itself the entire infection-prevention program. Vaccination helps prevent certain diseases but doesn’t alone encompass all practices used to prevent infection.