a source of infection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of infection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical or health-related contexts to refer to something that can cause or spread an infection. Example: "The contaminated water was identified as a source of infection for the outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unpasteurized milk and processed dairy foods from infected animals have been considered a source of infection for the general population, and infected carcasses as a source of infection for workers in the meat-packing industry.

Plosone

Koch did not believe the bovine (cattle) and human tuberculosis diseases were similar, which delayed the recognition of infected milk as a source of infection.

Wikipedia

However, infected wild boar are a source of infection for people if their meat is eaten undercooked [3].

Plosone

Therefore, dogs may acquire and maintain infected and infectious fleas, thereby, indirectly acting as a source of infection.

BMC Infectious Diseases

"Do we have a source of infection?" I asked.

The New Yorker

Are they going to be a source of infection to their child at a later date?

The Guardian

At the same time, the researchers acknowledge that they were unable to identify a source of infection in a significant proportion of infants, which may suggest that casual contacts outside the family area are also a source of infection.

The New York Times - Health

They cause discomfort, obstruct care and are a source of infection.

The Economist

Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering and preparation of poultry for cooking, the health organization says, and no evidence suggests that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection.

The New York Times

The World Health Organization, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizationn, the World Trade Organization and the Organization for Animal Health have stated flat out that properly cooked pork "will not be a source of infection" for influenza A(H1N1).

The New York Times

This could be a source of infection if injected, smoked or snorted – there is no safe route for consuming heroin or other drugs that may be contaminated with anthrax spores".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing public health or safety, be specific about the "source of infection" to provide actionable information. For example, instead of stating generally that "food can be a source of infection", specify "undercooked poultry can be a source of salmonella infection".

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Saying something is "a source of infection" without further context is less helpful than identifying the specific pathogen or condition involved. Always strive for clarity and detail to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of infection" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It identifies what is responsible for initiating an infection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of infection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify the origin or cause of an infectious agent and is commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Given its versatility and widespread use, it’s essential to employ the phrase with specificity to offer actionable information and avoid overgeneralizations. Remember that, according to the examples, factors such as contaminated food, infected animals, and unsanitary conditions may represent "a source of infection". Therefore, being detailed when using the expression may provide clarity and help prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an origin of contamination

Focuses on the start point of the contamination process, framing infection as a form of impurity.

a cause of contagion

Broadly identifies any factor that leads to the spread of infectious diseases.

a vector of disease

Highlights the carrier aspect, often referring to organisms that transmit diseases without necessarily being affected themselves.

a point of exposure

Emphasizes the moment when a person or organism comes into contact with an infectious agent.

a means of transmission

Emphasizes the method through which an infection spreads, rather than the origin itself.

a focus of outbreak

Implies that the point is not just a source, but the epicenter of a rapid spread of a disease.

an incubator of illness

Implies a place or condition where pathogens can grow and multiply, leading to disease.

a breeding ground for pathogens

Focuses on the conditions that allow harmful microorganisms to flourish and spread.

a contagion point

Highlights a specific location or instance where infection is most likely to occur.

a root of ailment

Suggests a deeper, underlying reason for the development of a disease or illness.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of infection" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of infection" to identify the origin of an infectious agent. For example, "Contaminated water can be "a source of infection" for various diseases."

What are some alternatives to saying "a source of infection"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a cause of contagion", "a means of transmission", or "a vector of disease", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "source of the infection" or "a source of infection"?

Both can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The source of the infection" implies a specific, known origin, while ""a source of infection"" suggests one of potentially many origins.

What's the difference between "a source of infection" and "an infection vector"?

"A source of infection" is a general term for anything that causes an infection. "An infection vector" specifically refers to an organism that transmits a disease-causing agent from one host to another.