Which mode of transmission can involve pathogens being inhaled?

Airborne transmission refers to the spread of pathogens through the air over long distances, typically via aerosols or droplets that can be inhaled. This mode of transmission is particularly significant for respiratory pathogens, as they can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, allowing them to be inhaled by individuals who are not in close proximity to the source of infection.

The airborne route is crucial in the context of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and COVID-19, where infections can spread without direct contact with an infected individual. This is important for healthcare settings, where understanding and implementing appropriate infection control measures, such as the use of masks or air filtration systems, is essential to prevent the spread of these pathogens.

In contrast, contact transmission relies on physical interaction between individuals or surfaces, vector-borne involves transmission through an intermediary organism (such as insects), and common vehicle refers to transmission through shared sources (like food or water). Thus, while all these transmission modes are relevant in discussing the spread of infections, airborne transmission uniquely incorporates the inhalation of pathogens.