Which of the following would be an example of vertical transmission of infectious agents?
A) Staphylococcus spp. gaining antibiotic resistance genes through conjugation
B) HIV passing from mother to child in utero
C) an infectious ameba obtained from a water sample
D) influenza being passed by a sneeze
E) hepatitis being transmitted by an infected needle stick

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vertical transmission refers to the transmission of infectious agents from a mother to her offspring, either during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV passing from a mother to her child in utero would be an example of vertical transmission. The other options are all examples of horizontal transmission, where infectious agents are transmitted directly or indirectly from one individual to another.

Which of the Following Would Be an Example of Vertical