Which transmission type is spread through an infected invertebrate such as a mosquito?

• A. Direct
• B. Vector-borne
• C. Parenteral
• D. Indirect

Answer: (B)

Pathogens can spread through living carriers called vectors. An invertebrate like a mosquito can pick up a pathogen from an infected host and then bite a healthy person, transmitting the disease. This is vector-borne transmission, where the vector (the mosquito) is essential to moving the pathogen between hosts. It’s different from direct transmission (person to person by touch or droplets), parenteral transmission (through punctures like needles), or transmission via nonliving intermediaries (indirect, such as contaminated objects). Mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus, illustrating how the vector’s biology enables the pathogen to reach new hosts.