HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION Meaning and
Definition
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Horizontal transmission refers to the method by which infectious diseases or genetic information is passed between individuals of the same generation, regardless of their genetic relationship or direct parent-child connection. The term "horizontal" in this context highlights the dissemination of the disease or genetic material among individuals who are on the same biological level rather than vertically from parent to offspring, which is known as vertical transmission.
In the context of infectious diseases, horizontal transmission occurs through various means, including direct contact between individuals, exposure to contaminated substances or environments, or through the exchange of bodily fluids. Examples of horizontal transmission of diseases include transmitting viruses like the common cold or flu through coughing or sneezing, sexually transmitted infections through sexual contact, or foodborne illnesses through consuming contaminated food or water.
Horizontal transmission also applies to the transfer of genetic material, such as genes or traits, between organisms of the same generation. This can occur through mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is the transfer of genetic material between unrelated or distantly related species. HGT is particularly common in bacteria and can lead to the acquisition of novel traits or antibiotic resistance.
Understanding horizontal transmission is important for public health as it helps in identifying the pathways of disease spread and devising control measures. It also contributes to our knowledge of the evolution and diversity of organisms by explaining how genetic material can be shared between different species.
Common Misspellings for HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION
- gorizontal transmission
- borizontal transmission
- norizontal transmission
- jorizontal transmission
- uorizontal transmission
- yorizontal transmission
- hirizontal transmission
- hkrizontal transmission
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- h0rizontal transmission
- h9rizontal transmission
- hoeizontal transmission
- hodizontal transmission
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- ho5izontal transmission
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- horuzontal transmission
- horjzontal transmission
Etymology of HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION
The word "horizontal transmission" is composed of two key components: "horizontal" and "transmission".
1. Horizontal: The term "horizontal" is derived from the Latin word "horizontem", which means "bounding line" or "horizon". It refers to the flat, level line formed by the apparent meeting of the earth and the sky. In a figurative sense, "horizontal" indicates something parallel to the horizon or lying at the same level.
2. Transmission: The word "transmission" comes from the Latin word "transmissio", which is formed from the prefix "trans", meaning "across" or "through", and the verb "mittere", meaning "to send". It refers to the act of conveying or sending something from one place or person to another.
