Which term describes the spread of infection through contaminated objects?

• A. Indirect Transmission
• B. Direct Transmission
• C. Airborne Transmission
• D. Vector Transmission

Answer: (A)

Indirect transmission is the concept that fits when infection spreads via contaminated inanimate objects. Pathogens can cling to surfaces and objects—fomites like doorknobs, towels, medical equipment, or clothing. If someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, or transfers the pathogen to another person or object, infection can occur. This differs from direct transmission, which requires immediate person-to-person contact or droplet spread; airborne transmission, which moves infectious particles through the air over distances; and vector transmission, which relies on a living carrier such as an insect. So the spread through contaminated objects is best described as indirect transmission, with the specific mechanism on surfaces called fomite transmission.