Transmission Of Cross Contamination

Indirect Contact


The spread of nosocomial infections can be transmitted from one host to another in many ways in, directly, directly, vector borne and even airborne. The most common route of transmission is indirect contact. This occurs when an infected person touches and contaminates inanimate objects. The culprit for many of   these indirect transmissions is the health care worker. Health care workers who are symptomless carriers can carry around harmful microorganisms spreading them to patients, surfaces and equipment throughout the hospital and not even know it. Contamination by healthcare workers can give rise to an outbreak of disease. “Staphylococccus aureas may be carried in the nasal passages of 30-60% of personnel” (Hospital Hygiene'', 1992, p. 149). ''

Direct Contact


Direct contact occurs when a healthy individual comes into close contact with an infected  host or surface and spreads its infection. Vector-borne transmission occurs through insects that have come in contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. Airborne contaminants also play a role in cross contamination through the coughing or sneezing by an infected individual. Abdollahi & Mahmoudzadeh, (2012) claimed that, “Approximately ten percent of nosocomial infections in both immune-compromised and healthy people are caused by airborne bacteria” (p. 178).