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fomite

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.02 sec.
fomite /fo·mite/ (fo´mīt) fomes.
fo·mite (fmt)
n.
An inanimate object or substance, such as clothing, furniture, or soap, that is capable of transmitting infectious organisms from one individual to another.
Fomite
An inanimate object that can transmit infectious organisms.
Mentioned in: Otitis Media
fomite
[fō′mīt]
Etymology: L, fomes, tinder
nonliving material such as bed linen that may transmit microorganisms.
fomite (fomes) (fō´mīt, fō´mēz),
n a nonliving object that may carry germs. An inanimate source of disease, such as a drinking glass used by an infected person.
fomite
Epidemiology An inanimate object–sheets, clothing, in an environment that may harbor pathogens and thus be a passive vector for infection. See Vector.


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can survive briefly on open surfaces, so transmission by fomites (inanimate objects that can transmit infectious material) such as doorknobs and toilet seats is theoretically possible but unlikely.
An introduction to the herpes viruses by Knight, Joe / The Dental Assistant
The daily animated series of kernel maps clearly shows that SARS was a highly localized disease; thus, its route of transmission was unlikely to be through casual contact, as it is for influenza and measles, but more compatible with close contact via heavy respiratory droplets and fomites.
Understanding the spatial clustering of severe acute respiratory ... by Leung, G.M. / Environmental Health Perspectives
It is acquired by direct contact with an infected individual or, less commonly, by contact with a fomite (e.
Molluscum contagiosum by Thompson, Lester D.R. / Ear, Nose and Throat Journal
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