Which type of infection is defined as occurring in a non-hospitalized patient?

A community-acquired infection is characterized by occurring in individuals who have not been recently hospitalized or had significant interaction with the healthcare system. These infections are typically contracted in the general community and can include various types of infections such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that an individual comes into contact with in everyday settings.

This terminology helps differentiate them from infections acquired in healthcare settings, which are referred to as nosocomial infections. Understanding the distinction between these two categories is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as community-acquired infections often involve different pathogens and treatment protocols compared to infections that are acquired within a healthcare setting.

The other terms, such as intrarenal and perinephric infections, refer specifically to locations or types of kidney infections and do not relate to the setting in which the infection was acquired.