Transmission Routes

  • Transmission routes refer to the ways in which microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can be spread from one host to another. Understanding these routes can help in preventing the spread of diseases.

  • Direct Contact Transmission: This occurs when there is physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible person. Diseases compatible with this transmission route include Ebola, HIV, or the common cold.

  • Indirect Contact Transmission: This happens when a person touches a surface or object (known as a fomite) that an infected person has previously touched. Diseases like influenza and norovirus can be transmitted in this way.

  • Droplet Transmission: This type of transmission occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and expels droplets that contain microorganisms. A susceptible person can then inhale these droplets. Medically important diseases such as influenza, SARS, and COVID-19 spread through this route.

  • Airborne Transmission: This is similar to droplet transmission but in this case, the droplets containing microorganisms are so small that they can remain suspended in the air for long periods. This makes it possible for diseases such as tuberculosis and measles to be transmitted over greater distances.

  • Vector-Borne Transmission: In this case, an animal or insect (the vector) carries the microorganism from the infected person to the susceptible person. Malaria and Lyme disease are common vector-borne diseases.

  • Fecal-Oral Transmission: This route typically involves microorganisms present in the faecal matter of an infected person making their way to the mouth of a susceptible person, often due to inadequate sanitation or poor personal hygiene. Cholera and hepatitis A are diseases commonly associated with this mode of transmission.

  • Vertical Transmission: This is when microorganisms are transferred from a mother to her infant during birth or breastfeeding. Examples include HIV and syphilis.

Remember, these transmission routes are the basis of many public health measures designed to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Awareness of these routes can help individuals take personal measures to reduce their risk of infection.