What is an infection obtained while in the hospital called?

A nosocomial infection is specifically defined as an infection that is acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting. These infections can occur due to various factors, including prolonged hospital stays, invasive procedures, and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They are significant because they can complicate a patient's recovery and may lead to longer hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs.

Community-acquired infections refer to infections contracted outside of healthcare settings, while a ventilator-associated infection is a type of nosocomial infection specifically arising in patients on mechanical ventilation. Colonization infection is not a recognized term in the context of infections; colonization typically refers to the presence of bacteria in the body without causing an active infection. This distinguishes nosocomial infections as critical to understand in healthcare practice, highlighting the importance of infection control measures within hospital environments.