What type of infection is a "nosocomial" infection?

A nosocomial infection is specifically defined as an infection that is acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting. These infections can occur in patients who are admitted for treatment of other conditions and are typically associated with the healthcare environment and practices. They can result from various factors, including invasive procedures, use of medical devices, antibiotic resistance, and poor infection control practices.

Because nosocomial infections are tied to the healthcare system, they highlight the importance of stringent infection control measures within hospitals and clinics to prevent the spread of pathogens. This definition sets nosocomial infections apart from infections acquired in community settings, during surgical procedures specifically, or those categorized by high contagion. Each of those options addresses different contexts and characteristics of infections, but the essence of a nosocomial infection lies in its hospital origin.