Final answer:
The patient's infection obtained via a contaminated door handle is an example of indirect contact transmission, where the door handle serves as a fomite transferring the pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described, wherein a patient acquires an infection by touching a contaminated door handle, best represents indirect contact transmission of a pathogen. Indirect contact transmission occurs when a person is infected through contact with a contaminated object or surface (known as a fomite), rather than directly from another person. In this scenario, the door handle serves as a fomite, carrying pathogens transferred from an infected person who previously touched it. To avoid such infections, frequent hand washing and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces is recommended.