Lecture Notes: Types of Contact Transmission

Overview

• Discusses different methods infectious diseases are transmitted.
• Focus on three types of contact transmission.

Types of Contact Transmission

1. Direct Contact Transmission

• Involves direct physical touch between individuals.
  • Examples: Kissing, hand-holding.
• Pathogens spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Includes diseases like sexually transmitted infections.

2. Indirect Contact Transmission

• Involves inanimate objects known as fomites.
  • Examples: Door handles, towels, needles.
• Transmission occurs when a sick person contaminates an object which is then touched by another person.
• Key points:
  • Sharing needles is a high-risk action.
  • Common fomites: Computer keyboards, mouse, door handles.

3. Droplet Transmission

• Involves respiratory droplets from sneezes or coughs.
• Distinction from airborne transmission:
  • Droplet Transmission: Direct contamination within a meter range.
    • Directly by droplets or via surfaces droplets land on.
  • Airborne Transmission: Pathogens remain in air over distances and time (e.g., measles).

Key Terms

• Fomite: Inanimate object that can transmit pathogens.

Conclusion

• Understanding modes of transmission crucial for disease prevention.
• Recognizes importance of personal hygiene and safe practices to minimize risk.