What is a common method of direct transmission for infections?

Direct transmission of infections typically occurs through physical contact between an infected individual and another person. This method involves the transfer of pathogens from one host to another without any intermediate objects or vectors, such as surfaces or animals. Physical contact can happen through various means, such as touching, kissing, or sexual contact. This way, pathogens like bacteria and viruses can be directly transferred, resulting in infection.

In contrast, airborne transmission involves pathogens remaining suspended in the air and traveling over distances before being inhaled by another person, while waterborne transmission refers to the spread of pathogens through contaminated water sources. Vector-borne transmission involves a living organism, such as insects, that carries pathogens from one host to another, which is also not a form of direct transmission. Therefore, physical contact is recognized as a primary route for direct infection spread, highlighting its significance in understanding microbiologic practices and infection control in healthcare and mortuary settings.