Infection occurring in a patient while in a hospital or healthcare agency–

Correct option is B

Sol. A nosocomial infection, also known as a hospital-acquired infection (HAI), is an infection that develops 48 hours or more after hospital admission and was not present or incubating at the time of admission. Common examples include urinary tract infections from catheters, surgical site infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Opportunistic infection – Occurs when the immune system is compromised (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy) and may be community- or hospital-acquired. Not limited to healthcare settings.
· (b) Nosocomial infection – Correct Answer. These infections arise due to exposure to hospital environment, contaminated equipment, or poor hand hygiene. Prevention involves strict aseptic protocols.
· (c) Iatrogenic infection – Caused by medical procedures or interventions, such as contaminated instruments or improper technique, but not all are nosocomial.
· (d) Indirect infection – Occurs through intermediate objects or fomites, and is more of a mode of transmission than a healthcare-specific category.