👉 Refuse-infection, also known as secondary infection or hospital-acquired infection, occurs when a patient who has already been exposed to or infected with a pathogen develops an additional infection while in a healthcare setting. This can happen due to compromised immune systems, invasive medical devices, or inadequate hygiene practices. Common pathogens responsible for refuse-infections include bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridioides difficile, and various viruses. These infections can complicate treatment, prolong recovery, and increase healthcare costs, highlighting the critical need for stringent infection control measures in hospitals and clinics to prevent their spread.