Answer :
Final answer:
The spread of harmful pathogenic bacteria typically occurs from one surface to another, from a surface to a person, and from person to person through direct contact. Bacteria can also spread through other means such as food, water, and vectors.
Explanation:
The spread of harmful pathogenic bacteria can occur through many different routes. The spread of infection typically happens in one of three ways:
- From one surface to another when a non-infected person touches a contaminated object like tools or doorknobs which were previously touched by an infected person.
- From one surface to a person, for example, when someone contracts athlete's foot by wearing shoes worn by an infected person or from a contaminated shower floor.
- From person to person through direct contact, such as skin-to-skin contact or oral transmission like kissing or sharing drinking glasses.
In addition to contact transmission, bacteria may also spread through food, water, or by vectors such as insects. The transmission can involve direct or indirect contact, like contact with urine or faeces, especially in conditions where sanitation is poor and water supplies are contaminated. Microbes, including bacteria, are ubiquitous and can be found on common surfaces, making it critical to maintain good hygiene, like regular handwashing, to prevent the spread of these pathogens.