The category of infection in which the patient is the source of the infection is referred to as:

The category of infection where the patient themselves is the source of the infection is known as autogenous infections. This term specifically refers to infections that arise from the individual’s own flora, meaning that the pathogens causing the infection are typically part of the patient's normal microflora. For instance, a patient might develop a dental abscess from bacteria that are normally present in their mouth, which under certain conditions can lead to infection.

Understanding this concept is critical for dental professionals as it underscores the importance of careful assessment and management of a patient's oral health to prevent local infections from becoming systemic issues. It highlights the role a patient’s existing bacteria can play in certain infections that occur during or following dental procedures.

Other types of infections, such as nosocomial, are acquired in healthcare settings and not from the patient’s own flora, while community-acquired infections originate outside of healthcare facilities. Chronic infections refer to persistent conditions that may blend aspects of both, but do not inherently denote the patient as the sole source of infection. Thus, autogenous infections remain unique in that they are directly tied to the individual patient and their inherent microorganisms.