What is the difference between horizontal and vertical transmission of diseases?

What is the difference between horizontal and vertical transmission of diseases?

• A. Horizontal transmission occurs between different species, whereas vertical occurs within the same species
• B. Horizontal transmission is from a mother to offspring, while vertical is within the same generation
• C. Both involve the same generation, but vertical involves mother to offspring
• D. Horizontal involves airborne transmission, while vertical involves contact transmission

Answer: (C)

The correct choice emphasizes that horizontal transmission occurs between individuals of the same generation, while vertical transmission specifically refers to the transfer of pathogens from a mother to her offspring. Horizontal transmission can happen through various means, such as direct contact, airborne routes, or vector transmission, where an infectious agent spreads among individuals within the same population or community. This method of disease spread does not distinguish between generations. In contrast, vertical transmission is more specific; it is the passage of pathogens from a parent (usually the mother) to her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This type of transmission ensures that the infectious agent is transferred across generations, clearly illustrating the difference. Overall, the distinction lies in the generational aspect: horizontal transmission involves transmission among contemporaneous individuals, while vertical transmission is focused on the lineage and transfer between parent and child.

The correct choice emphasizes that horizontal transmission occurs between individuals of the same generation, while vertical transmission specifically refers to the transfer of pathogens from a mother to her offspring.

Horizontal transmission can happen through various means, such as direct contact, airborne routes, or vector transmission, where an infectious agent spreads among individuals within the same population or community. This method of disease spread does not distinguish between generations.

In contrast, vertical transmission is more specific; it is the passage of pathogens from a parent (usually the mother) to her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This type of transmission ensures that the infectious agent is transferred across generations, clearly illustrating the difference.

Overall, the distinction lies in the generational aspect: horizontal transmission involves transmission among contemporaneous individuals, while vertical transmission is focused on the lineage and transfer between parent and child.