Which four zoonoses can be transmitted through aerosols?

Which four zoonoses can be transmitted through aerosols?

• A. Influenza, Tuberculosis, Q Fever, Psittacosis
• B. Influenza, Tuberculosis, Q Fever, Psittosis
• C. Influenza, Malaria, Q Fever, Psittacosis
• D. Influenza, Tuberculosis, Lyme Disease, Psittacosis

Answer: (A)

Aerosol transmission means infectious particles are carried in the air and inhaled, allowing spread without direct contact. Influenza viruses are routinely shed in respiratory secretions and can form aerosols that travel in the air, spreading to others. Tuberculosis spreads via airborne droplet nuclei produced when someone with pulmonary TB coughs or speaks, and these tiny particles can remain suspended and be inhaled by others. Q fever routinely enters humans through inhalation of aerosols from infected livestock, particularly from birthing fluids, feces, and urine, making it a classic airborne zoonosis. Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, is transmitted when people inhale aerosols from infected birds’ droppings, feathers, or secretions. Malaria and Lyme disease are not aerosol-transmitted; malaria requires a mosquito vector, and Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. The standard term for the bird-associated infection is psittacosis (not a different spelling). Taken together, these four diseases fit the aerosol-transmission pattern.

Aerosol transmission means infectious particles are carried in the air and inhaled, allowing spread without direct contact. Influenza viruses are routinely shed in respiratory secretions and can form aerosols that travel in the air, spreading to others. Tuberculosis spreads via airborne droplet nuclei produced when someone with pulmonary TB coughs or speaks, and these tiny particles can remain suspended and be inhaled by others. Q fever routinely enters humans through inhalation of aerosols from infected livestock, particularly from birthing fluids, feces, and urine, making it a classic airborne zoonosis. Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, is transmitted when people inhale aerosols from infected birds’ droppings, feathers, or secretions.

Malaria and Lyme disease are not aerosol-transmitted; malaria requires a mosquito vector, and Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. The standard term for the bird-associated infection is psittacosis (not a different spelling). Taken together, these four diseases fit the aerosol-transmission pattern.