Transmission

• What is direct transmission in disease transmission?

  Where a pathogen is transferred directly from one affected organism to another.
• What are the three methods of direct transmission?

  Direct contact, inoculation, and ingestion.
• What does direct contact in disease transmission involve?

  Exchange of bodily fluids, skin-to-skin contact, and microorganisms in faeces on the hands.
• How does inoculation occur in disease transmission?

  Through a break in the skin or puncture wound, such as animal bites.
• What is ingestion in the context of disease transmission?

  Taking in contaminated food or drink, transferring pathogens from hand to mouth.
• What is indirect transmission?

  Where a pathogen travels from one infected individual to another through an unaffected object or organism.
• What are fomites in disease transmission?

  Objects such as bedding, socks, and cosmetics that can carry pathogens.
• What is droplet infection?

  Minute droplets of saliva and mucus expelled when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
• What are vectors in disease transmission?

  Usually an unaffected organism which hosts the pathogen before transferring it.
• How can water act as a vector in disease transmission?

  Contaminated water can be classed as an inanimate vector of disease.
• What are some factors affecting transmission in animals?

  Overcrowding, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, and climate change.
• How does climate change affect disease transmission in animals?

  Changing climates allow different pathogens and vectors to survive in new areas.
• What role do socioeconomic factors play in disease transmission?

  Lack of trained health workers or public warnings can affect disease transmission.
• What is direct transmission between plants?

  Where a healthy plant comes into contact with any part of a diseased plant.
• What is soil contamination in indirect transmission between plants?

  Pathogens or reproductive spores left in the soil infect the next crop.
• How can vectors transfer pathogens between plants?

  Animals and humans can transfer spores by contact or feeding.
• What are some environmental vectors for plant disease transmission?

  Wind and water can carry pathogens to plants.
• What factors affect transmission in plants?

  Susceptible crop strains, overcrowding, poor nutrition, and damp conditions.
• What is one method to prevent the spread of communicable disease in plants?

  Increase planting distances to stop direct contact.
• Why is it important to clear fields of affected plants?

  To reduce all traces of the pathogen, sometimes leaving the area fallow.
• How does crop rotation help prevent disease transmission?

  It prevents susceptible species from being close to the pathogen.
• What hygiene practices are important in preventing plant disease transmission?

  Strict hygiene practices, including clean machinery and tools.
• What is the correct use of insecticides and fungicides in disease prevention?

  They should be used properly to control pests and pathogens.
• What does morbidity refer to in disease terms?

  The proportion of people in the population with the disease.
• What does mortality refer to in disease terms?

  The number of people who die from the disease each year.
• What is incidence in disease terms?

  The number of new cases every year.
• What does prevalence mean in disease terms?

  The number of people with a disease at a given time.
• What does endemic mean in disease terms?

  Always present.
• What does epidemic mean in disease terms?

  Spreading rapidly over a large area.
• What does pandemic mean in disease terms?

  A worldwide epidemic.
• What are the methods of disease transmission in animals?

  • Direct Transmission: direct contact, inoculation, ingestion
  • Indirect Transmission: fomites, droplet infection, vectors, water
• What are the factors affecting disease transmission in animals?

  • Overcrowding and poor living conditions
  • Poor nutrition and hygiene
  • Compromised immune systems
  • Climate change
  • Socioeconomic factors
  • Close contact with animals
• What are the methods of disease transmission in plants?

  • Direct Transmission: direct contact
  • Indirect Transmission: soil contamination, vectors, wind, and water
• What are the factors affecting disease transmission in plants?

  • Susceptible crop strains
  • Overcrowding
  • Poor mineral nutrition
  • Damp, warm conditions
  • Climate change
  • Poor biosecurity procedures
• What are the methods to prevent the spread of communicable disease in plants?

  • Increase planting distances
  • Clear fields of affected plants
  • Rotate crops regularly
  • Maintain strict hygiene practices
  • Correct use of insecticides and fungicides