What is the primary distinction between contamination and infection?

The primary distinction between contamination and infection lies in the definition of contamination as the presence of pathogens. Contamination refers to the mere introduction or presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, in an environment or on a surface. This can happen without any adverse effects; for example, a surface can be contaminated with pathogens without leading to any disease process.

In contrast, infection involves a more complex interaction where the pathogens not only are present but also multiply and cause harm to the host's tissues or systems. An infection typically leads to an immune response from the host, and may result in symptoms of illness.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in both microbiology and mortuary science, as it influences how environments are sanitized and how pathogens are managed to prevent the spread of disease.