Introduction to Infection Prevention
Sources of Infectious Agents

Pathogens associated with HAIs are derived primarily from human sources, but contaminated objects and environmental sources are also implicated.¹ Human sources include patients, HCP, house hold members, and visitors. A source-individual may have an acute infection, or may be transiently or chronically colonized by pathogenic organisms. It is also important to recognize that the source-individual may be asymptomatic or may be in the incubation (subclinical) phase of infection.