Which of the following is a direct route of disease transmission mentioned in the material?

• A. Needlestick exposure
• B. Airborne dissemination only
• C. Waterborne transmission
• D. Insect vectors

Answer: (A)

Direct transmission means the pathogen moves straight from one person to another through direct contact with infected material, without an intermediate carrier or medium. Needlestick exposure fits this idea because exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids happens directly via the needle, transferring the pathogen right to the exposure person.

The other options involve an intermediary: airborne dissemination uses air droplets or aerosols, waterborne transmission requires contaminated water, and insect vectors rely on a living carrier to pass the pathogen along. In the material, the direct route highlighted is needlestick exposure, which is why it’s the best answer.