What is the primary distinction between contamination and infection?

The primary distinction between contamination and infection lies in the definition of each term. Contamination refers to the presence of pathogens on a surface, in a substance, or within a body without causing a disease. This means that while the pathogens may be present, they haven't yet established an environment that allows for their growth and multiplication, nor have they invaded tissues or triggered a response from the host's immune system.

In contrast, infection represents a more severe scenario where pathogens not only inhabit the body but also begin to multiply and lead to an immune response, causing illness or disease. This process indicates that the pathogens have breached the initial defenses and are actively engaging with the host's biological systems, which can lead to symptoms of disease.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in microbiology, particularly in areas such as mortuary science, where recognizing the difference between mere contamination and active infection can inform practices regarding safety, sanitation, and handling biological materials.