Droplet Transmission Case Study

Pathogens have evolved and have various ways to transmit from one host to another. Transmission from one host to another is one way how microbes are able to survive in a long run and maintain their species survivability. If pathogens were not able to transmit, upon the death of the host, the microbes would not have any means to infect another host. Some pathogens have only one mean of transmitting whereas there are other pathogens that can be transmitted via many different methods. In general, there are many ways in which pathogens can be transmitted. The main comparison in the means of transmission would direct and indirect contact between host

Firstly we are going to compare and contrast indirect contact from one host to another, and then
Droplet nuclei surrounded by air, are termed as aerosol. These droplet nuclei could either remain in its vicinity or be able to travel large distances due to winds. Due to this way of transfer, people not near the initial expel of pathogens are still able to get infected. When the nuclei travel this way, the mode of transmission would then be called airborne transmission. This is one key difference between airborne transmission and droplet transmission even though the mode of transfer is the same. One more key difference would be the particle size, where for airborne, the particle will have to be small to travel whereas for droplet transmission, the area of infection is within its own vicinity. Airborne infections also cause severe diseases akin to droplet transmissions such as meningitis, severe-acute respiratory infection (SARS), chickenpox or influenza.

One common bacterium that can travel via airborne is the deadly Mycobacterium Tuberculosis [8]. This bacterium has a particle size around 1-5 microns [9], and can remain airborne for long periods of time. This bacterium causes one of the most deadly diseases, tuberculosis. Tuberculosis causes up to 2.7% of the total death in United Kingdom. [8] Transmission will occur when one inhales the droplet nuclei and reaches the alveoli of the lungs. After it reaches, it will then be spread to the rest
One of the biggest direct contacts between hosts would be through the exchange of bodily fluids. Example of bodily fluids would be semen, saliva and blood. Saliva can be exchanged through kissing and pathogens such as Herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, or mycobacterium tuberculosis can be transmitted. Sexual acts such as penis-vaginal/anal penetration or oral sex can increase the transmission of deadly pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Lymphogranuloma venereum (infection of the lymphatic system) Haemophilus ducreyi (causes chancroid) Trichomonas vaginalis (causes bad smell near the vagina). [8] Blood transfusions or needle sharing can also increase the possibility of HIV transfer and many other deadly pathogens such as Human papilloma virus