A patient acquires an infection by touching a contaminated door handle. Which mode of transmission best describes this scenario?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The mode of transmission that best describes this scenario is indirect transmission. This type of transmission occurs when a person comes into contact with an object or surface that has been contaminated by infectious agents. In this case, the door handle acts as a fomite, a physical object capable of carrying and transferring pathogens.
Indirect transmission can involve various types of contaminated surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, doorknobs, or even items like telephones or remote controls. When a person touches such surfaces, the infectious agents may transfer to their hands. If they then touch their face—especially their eyes, nose, or mouth—the pathogens can enter the body and cause an infection. This is why regular handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in public spaces and healthcare settings.
Fomites are a significant vector for infections in environments where hygiene practices are not strictly followed, especially in high-traffic areas. For example, hospitals or clinics often have protocols in place to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces frequently. In the general community, public health measures like hand sanitizers and promoting hand hygiene are essential to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
The mode of transmission differs from direct transmission, where the infection is passed from one person to another through physical contact, such as kissing or shaking hands. Indirect transmission through fomites is more insidious because the infected object may not appear contaminated, and the risk of transmission can be present even when people are unaware of it.