High School

Which of the following are TRUE about routes of transmission?

a) Respiratory pathogens (pathogens living in the lungs) can leave the body by coughing, sneezing, or through a runny nose.

b) Pathogens are always transmitted directly from one infected individual to another individual.

c) Zoonosis refers to when pathogens are spread from one animal to another.

d) Airborne transmission of pathogens involves these pathogens traveling in tiny droplets or on dust particles.

e) Some kinds of pathogens can be transmitted through sexual contact.

f) Blood-borne pathogens are always transmitted by sexual or other direct contact between two individuals.

g) People can get infected with pathogens from water or food that is contaminated.

Answer :

Final answer:

Respiratory pathogens can be expelled and transferred through airborne transmission. Zoonosis refers to the transmission of diseases from animals to humans. Pathogens can also be spread via contaminated water or food, and not all blood-borne pathogens are transmitted solely through sexual or direct contact.

Explanation:

When discussing the routes of transmission for pathogens, it is important to understand the mechanisms through which diseases are spread. Firstly, respiratory pathogens can indeed be expelled from the body through coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose, leading to airborne transmission.

Pathogens can travel in tiny droplets and be inhaled by nearby individuals, as is common with the flu and the common cold. Secondly, not all pathogens are transmitted directly from an infected individual to another; some are transmitted through indirect contact, such as through inanimate objects or vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.

Zoonosis actually refers to the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, not just from one animal to another. In addition, while sexual contact can indeed be a route of transmission for some types of pathogens, it is not the only way that blood-borne pathogens are transmitted;

They can also spread through needle sticks or blood transfusions, which is why the statement that they are always transmitted by sexual or direct contact is false. Lastly, it is true that people can become infected by consuming contaminated water or food, which is another route of transmission.