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crossinfection

Crossinfection is the transmission of an infectious agent from a source to a recipient who is susceptible. The term is commonly used in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and laboratory work to describe infections acquired from another patient, staff member, or contaminated environment. It encompasses direct person-to-person transmission as well as indirect spread via contaminated objects known as fomites.

Transmission modes include direct contact (hands, skin-to-skin), indirect contact through contaminated instruments, medical devices, bedding, or

Prevention relies on infection control practices: standard precautions (hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, and safe

In health care, reducing crossinfection is central to preventing healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks. Guidelines and training

Related concepts include nosocomial infection and infection control.

towels,
and
environmental
routes
such
as
contaminated
surfaces.
Aerosol
or
droplet
spread
during
procedures
can
also
enable
crossinfection,
particularly
in
settings
where
aerosol-generating
procedures
occur.
Pathogens
include
bacteria
such
as
MRSA,
hepatitis
B
and
C,
HIV,
as
well
as
viruses
and
fungi.
handling
of
sharps),
proper
sterilization
and
disinfection
of
instruments,
rigorous
environmental
cleaning,
and
barrier
methods.
Use
of
single-use
items
when
possible,
safe
instrument
processing
workflows,
vaccination
of
staff,
patient
isolation,
and
timely
management
of
exposures
are
important
components.
emphasize
adherence
to
procedures,
audit
and
surveillance,
and
continuous
improvement
of
infection-control
cultures.