<span>A weakened patient is an ideal target for an opportunistic pathogen. A patient's resistance to an infection can be reduced as a result of disease or compromised immunity. Burns, surgical wounds, injections, invasive diagnostic procedures, ventilators, intravenous therapy, and catheters increase the risk of infection. The principal routes of nosocomial infections are contact with healthcare staff, contaminated instruments, and through a hospital's ventilation system.</span>
