Which term describes the transfer of microorganisms by inanimate objects?

• A. Nosocomial Infection
• B. Clean Gloves
• C. Fomites
• D. Isolation Room Signage

Answer: (C)

Fomite transmission describes the spread of microorganisms via inanimate objects. Fomites are nonliving items that can harbor pathogens after contact with an infected person, and when someone else touches the same item, the microorganisms can be transferred. This is a classic route of indirect transmission and explains how surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, or shared medical equipment can facilitate infection if not properly cleaned.

A nosocomial infection, by contrast, refers to an infection acquired in a hospital setting, which may involve multiple transmission routes and does not specify transfer through objects. Clean gloves are a protective measure used to prevent direct contact with contaminated surfaces, but they describe a mitigation step rather than the transfer mechanism itself. Isolation room signage communicates precautions to prevent spread but does not define how transmission occurs. Thus, the term that best matches the transfer of microorganisms by inanimate objects is fomites.