Which type of disease is defined as transmissible from person to person through a biological agent?

• A. Communicable (infectious) diseases
• B. Noncommunicable diseases
• C. Chronic diseases
• D. Genetic diseases

Answer: (A)

Transmissibility from one person to another through a living biological agent defines a communicable (infectious) disease. These diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and can spread directly or indirectly from person to person via contact, droplets, airborne spread, contaminated surfaces, foods or water, or vectors. That ability to move between people is what characterizes a communicable disease. Noncommunicable diseases are not spread between people; chronic diseases describe long-lasting conditions, and genetic diseases are inherited. An example would be influenza, which can pass from one person to another.