Wearing gloves helps break which link in the chain of infection?

Wearing gloves is an effective practice that primarily helps break the link known as the mode of transmission in the chain of infection. This chain includes several components: the infectious agent, the reservoir, the portal of exit, the method of transmission, the portal of entry, and the susceptible host.

When healthcare workers wear gloves, they create a barrier between themselves, the patient, and potentially infectious agents. This barrier reduces the likelihood that pathogens can be transferred from one surface or person to another. For instance, if a caregiver touches a contaminated surface and then touches another patient without gloves, the germs can be transmitted easily. By using gloves, the caregiver minimizes direct contact with infectious agents, thus limiting their spread and protecting both themselves and the patient from possible infection.

Understanding the significance of breaking the mode of transmission is crucial in infection control practices, as it helps prevent healthcare-associated infections and enhances patient safety.