fomite

(noun)

An inanimate object capable of carrying infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites), and thus passively enabling their transmission between hosts.

Related Terms

Examples of fomite in the following topics:

  • Infectious Disease Transmission

    • Some infectious agents may be spread as a result of contact with a contaminated, inanimate object (known as a fomite), such as a coin passed from one person to another, while other diseases penetrate the skin directly.

  • Control of Nosocomial Infections

    • They are worn to reduce the likelihood the hands of personnel contaminated with micro-organisms from a patient or a fomite (contaminated object) can be transmitted to another patient.