Hospital-acquired infections are also known as what?

Hospital-acquired infections are referred to as nosocomial infections because they are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting, such as a hospital. The term "nosocomial" comes from the Greek word "nosokomeion," meaning hospital. These infections can result from a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can be transmitted through healthcare environments or procedures.

Understanding this definition is important for recognizing the risks associated with hospital care and the need for stringent infection control practices to prevent such infections. This term specifically highlights the clinical context where these infections occur, differentiating them from other types of infections that may arise in different settings, such as secondary infections that occur following another primary infection or opportunistic infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system.