Which of the following pairs is mismatched?
A) salmonellosis – vehicle transmission
B) malaria – foodborne transmission
C) influenza – droplet infection
D) syphilis – direct contact
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) malaria – foodborne transmission.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. This transmission method is referred to as vector transmission, not foodborne transmission. Foodborne transmission involves the ingestion of contaminated food or water, which is not a typical method for the spread of malaria.
Explanation of other pairs:
- A) Salmonellosis – vehicle transmission: This is correct. Salmonellosis is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. This is an example of vehicle transmission, where pathogens are spread via a contaminated medium, such as food.
- C) Influenza – droplet infection: This is correct. Influenza is primarily transmitted via droplet infection. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, respiratory droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by others, leading to the spread of the disease.
- D) Syphilis – direct contact: This is also correct. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It spreads through direct contact with syphilis sores, typically during sexual activity.
In summary, while salmonellosis, influenza, and syphilis are accurately matched with their modes of transmission, malaria is mismatched with foodborne transmission. The appropriate mode of transmission for malaria is vector transmission via mosquito bites.