Transmission of Pathogens

Question 1

What are 6 methods of transmission of pathogens?

Answer 1

1. Transmission by contact
2. Ingestion of food or drink
3. Transfer of body fluids
4. Infection by droplets
5. Airbourne transmission
6. Transmission of vectors

Question 2

Describe transmission by contact

Answer 2

Involves the spread of pathogens by actual physical contact. The contact may be direct by touching an infected person, or indirect, by touching an object that has been touched by an infected individual.

Question 3

Describe ingestion of food or drink

Answer 3

Ingestion of food or drink contaminated with pathogens may result in disease.

Question 4

Describe the transfer of body fluids

Answer 4

Transfer of bodily fluid from one person to another can result in the transmission of a number of infections. When body fluids from an infected person come into contact with the mucus membranes of a healthy person then pathogens may enter the body of that person.

Question 5

Describe infection by droplets

Answer 5

Occurs when tiny droplets of moisture-containing pathogenic organisms are emitted when breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing. The droplets may be breathed in by others or may settle on food or utensils to be later ingested with food.

Question 6

Describe Airbourne transmission

Answer 6

When moisture in exhaled droplets evaporates, many bacteria are killed, but viruses and some bacteria remain viable and can cause infection when inhaled. As these particles are lighter, they remain viable for a greater distance than those transmitted by droplets.

Question 7

Describe transmission by vectors

Answer 7

Is the transfer of pathogens by other animals. SOme vectors transfer the pathogens directly, or indirectly by food or water which is then ingested. Many vector bourne diseases are spread by specific vectors.