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

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.

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.