ABSTRACT
Nosocomial microorganisms comprise a distinct class of pathogens that can be categorized by their prevalence, their taxonomy, the type of infections they cause, and the type of hospital facility in which they occur. Airborne nosocomial microorganisms are a subset of this general class and share certain characteristics, such as the ability to survive airborne transport and to survive on dry surfaces. It is these shared characteristics that allow them to be eliminated from air and surfaces through the use of disinfection technologies such as surface disinfectants and air cleaning technologies. This chapter summarizes all of the common nosocomial pathogens and all relevant parameters that may describe their transmission potential.
