Parenteral transmission includes infections transmitted by routes other than mouth, nose, or eyes. Which is an example?

• A. Through ingestion
• B. Through parenteral routes such as needle-stick
• C. Through inhalation
• D. Through contact with contaminated surfaces

Answer: (B)

Parenteral transmission means infections entering the body by penetrating the skin or mucous barriers, bypassing the mouth, nose, or eyes. A needle-stick injury fits this because the pathogen is introduced directly into tissue or the bloodstream through a puncture in the skin, without going through the GI tract or respiratory tract. Ingestion involves swallowing and the digestive system; inhalation enters through the lungs; contact with contaminated surfaces can lead to exposure but does not inherently involve a direct puncture or injection into the body. Therefore, the needle-stick example best illustrates parenteral transmission.