What is referred to as an inanimate object that can carry infection?

An inanimate object that can carry infection is referred to as a fomite. These surfaces or items, such as doorknobs, utensils, or medical equipment, can harbor pathogens and facilitate their transfer to individuals. The pathogens may survive on these surfaces for a varying amount of time, depending on the type of organism and environmental conditions, allowing for possible infection when a person comes into contact with the contaminated object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

In contrast, a vector typically relates to living organisms, like insects or animals, that can transmit diseases from one host to another. A reservoir refers to the natural habitat of a pathogen, where it typically resides and multiplies, which can include both living organisms and environmental sources. A pathogen is any microorganism that can cause disease, which is fundamentally different from the concept of an inanimate object. Therefore, the definition of fomite aligns correctly with the description provided in the question.