Fomite
Fomite
Fomite (/ˈfoʊmaɪt/), also known as a fomes (/ˈfoʊmiːz/), is a term used in the field of Epidemiology to describe any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host.
Etymology
The term "fomite" originates from the Latin word fomes, meaning "tinder". It was first used in medical literature by the Italian physician Geronimo Fracastoro in the 16th century to describe objects, such as clothing, which could harbor contagion and thus ignite the spread of an infection, much like tinder can be used to propagate fire.
Related Terms
- Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Vector (epidemiology): Any agent (person, animal, or microorganism) that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen into another living organism.
- Reservoir (epidemiology): The habitat in which an infectious disease lives, grows and multiplies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fomite
- Wikipedia's article - Fomite
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