6.1.3 Factors Affecting Transmission

• What does the term "transmission" refer to in the context of pathogens?

  Spread of pathogens
• Transmission involves the spread of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
• Pathogen transmission can be broadly classified into direct and indirect methods.
• What is an example of direct transmission of pathogens?

  Physical contact
• Indirect transmission includes airborne, waterborne, and vector-borne routes, such as transmission by mosquitoes
• In indirect transmission, pathogens are transferred directly from an infected individual to a new host.

  False
• How does temperature affect pathogen transmission rates?

  Survival and activity
• Vaccination reduces pathogen transmission by generating immunity
• Highly virulent pathogens are less likely to cause severe illness.

  False
• Which mode of transmission allows pathogens to spread over greater distances?

  Airborne transmission
• Match the factor with its description:

  Environmental Conditions ↔️ Temperature, humidity, sanitation

  Host Factors ↔️ Immune status, vaccination, behavior

  Pathogen Characteristics ↔️ Virulence, survival duration, mode of transmission
• Some viruses are more stable in colder temperatures
• High vaccination rates can reduce pathogen transmission within a population.
• What does virulence refer to in the context of pathogens?

  Severity of disease
• Direct transmission occurs through physical contact
• Vector-borne transmission is an example of indirect transmission.
• The rate of pathogen transmission is influenced by three main factors: environmental conditions, host factors, and pathogen characteristics
• Some viruses are more stable in warmer temperatures.

  False
• Geographical factors such as climate and proximity to reservoirs can influence the likelihood of transmission
• Which group is most vulnerable to infection due to their immune status?

  Infants, elderly, immunocompromised
• High vaccination rates can reduce pathogen transmission within a population.
• The term virulence determines the severity of disease caused by a pathogen
• What affects how long a pathogen remains infectious outside a host?

  Survival duration
• Some bacteria thrive in warm, humid environments
• Airborne transmission is more efficient than contact transmission for spreading pathogens.
• Match the factor with its example:

  Environmental Conditions ↔️ Colder temperatures favor virus stability

  Host Factors ↔️ Weakened immune systems increase vulnerability

  Pathogen Characteristics ↔️ Airborne transmission spreads pathogens over greater distances
• What is one strategy under environmental control to reduce pathogen presence?

  Sanitation and disinfection
• High vaccination rates can lead to herd immunity.
• Appropriate use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance
• What environmental condition contributed to the cholera outbreak in Haiti?

  Warm, humid climate
• In seasonal influenza, immune status and vaccination rates significantly impact transmission
• COVID-19's high virulence and airborne transmission led to its rapid global spread.
• Match the factor with its real-world example:

  Environmental Conditions ↔️ Cholera outbreak in Haiti

  Host Factors ↔️ Seasonal influenza

  Pathogen Characteristics ↔️ COVID-19 pandemic