Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections or nosocomial infections, are conditions that are contracted while a patient is receiving medical care. Such infections occur in hospitals, as well as in other healthcare facilities or long-term care facilities. Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms, including drug-resistant strains. These infections are usually associated with factors such as handling, equipment use, and environmental cleanliness during medical care. Cross-contamination is a form of hospital-acquired infection that refers to infections spread within a healthcare facility. This transmission can be through direct contact with patients, healthcare workers, equipment, or environmental surfaces. Cross infection can involve different pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. Therefore, it can be said that hospital-acquired infections are infections that occur within a healthcare facility, while cross-infections are infections that are spread within a healthcare facility. Hospital-acquired infections are not always cross-infections because hospital-acquired infections can also be caused by pathogens carried by the patients themselves rather than spread through cross-infections.