Which term describes disease-causing microorganisms that can be transmitted by droplets or airborne routes?

Which term describes disease-causing microorganisms that can be transmitted by droplets or airborne routes?

• A. Airborne
• B. Airborne pathogens
• C. Ambulatory care facility
• D. Barrier

Answer: (B)

Infection control distinguishes between the culprits and how they spread. The phrase that names the disease-causing microorganisms capable of traveling through the air is airborne pathogens. Pathogens are the agents that cause disease, and when they can be carried by droplets during coughing or by smaller aerosol particles that remain suspended, they can be transmitted through the air. Saying something is airborne describes the route of spread, not the organisms themselves, which is why "airborne" alone isn't the best label for the agents. Ambulatory care facility refers to a setting, not the microorganisms, and a barrier is a protective measure used to block transmission rather than name the pathogens. Examples of airborne pathogens include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles virus, and varicella-zoster virus, which are capable of spreading through the air.

Infection control distinguishes between the culprits and how they spread. The phrase that names the disease-causing microorganisms capable of traveling through the air is airborne pathogens. Pathogens are the agents that cause disease, and when they can be carried by droplets during coughing or by smaller aerosol particles that remain suspended, they can be transmitted through the air. Saying something is airborne describes the route of spread, not the organisms themselves, which is why "airborne" alone isn't the best label for the agents. Ambulatory care facility refers to a setting, not the microorganisms, and a barrier is a protective measure used to block transmission rather than name the pathogens. Examples of airborne pathogens include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles virus, and varicella-zoster virus, which are capable of spreading through the air.