What type of transmission is caused by a vector or fomite?

Indirect transmission refers to the way infectious agents are spread when they pass from an infected individual to a susceptible host through an intermediary agent. This intermediary can be a vector, such as an insect (like a mosquito), or a fomite, which is an object or surface that has been contaminated with infectious material, such as doorknobs, utensils, or medical equipment.

In this context, vectors are living organisms that can carry pathogens and transmit them to humans or other hosts, while fomites facilitate transmission by providing a surface that retains infectious agents. This means that the pathogen does not transfer directly from one person to another, but rather through these intermediaries.

Understanding indirect transmission is crucial in infection control practices, particularly in healthcare and mortuary settings, where the risk of spreading infections can be high. Recognizing and addressing the potential role of vectors and fomites is essential for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.