Airborne Pathogens: Types, Transmission, and Prevention

Microorganisms transmitted through air, capable of causing diseases.
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Microbiology | Infectious Diseases | Public Health | Airborne Diseases | Pathogens | Infection Control | Respiratory Infections
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Airborne Pathogens FAQ


Image credit: sydney.edu.au

What are airborne diseases?

There are many airborne diseases that are of clinical importance and include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These organisms may be spread through sneezing, coughing, spraying of liquids, the spread of dust, or any activity that results in the generation of aerosolized particles.

What is airborne transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans?

Airborne transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans from the environment, animals, or other humans can result in disease. Inhalation is an important route of exposure as the lung is more susceptible to infection than the gastrointestinal tract.

What is the difference between airborne and airborne diseases?

Both are examples of highly infectious diseases classed as airborne because they are known to spread by aerosols. On the other hand, illnesses such as influenza are thought to spread primarily through larger respiratory droplets. 1 These do not float as easily and are more likely to fall to the ground within 1-2 m of the source.

How do airborne diseases spread?

Airborne diseases linger in dust particles and respiratory droplets, which are eventually inhaled by other people. In fact, you don’t need to be in the same room as a sick person to contract an airborne disease. Airborne diseases are bacteria or viruses that are most commonly transmitted through small respiratory droplets.

Airborne Pathogens References

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