Which term best describes the method of spreading a disease through a living organism?

The term "vector-borne transmission" specifically refers to the process by which diseases are spread through living organisms, typically arthropods like mosquitoes and ticks. These vectors act as carriers that transfer pathogens from one host to another. For example, malaria is spread through mosquitoes that carry the Plasmodium parasite; when the mosquito bites a human, it transmits the parasite, leading to infection. This method of transmission is distinct because it involves an intermediate living organism that facilitates the spread of the disease, rather than direct contact or environmental factors.

Understanding vector-borne transmission is crucial in public health and epidemiology, as controlling the populations of these vectors can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases they carry. This contrasts with airborne transmission, where pathogens are typically dispersed through the air, or waterborne transmission, where diseases are spread through contaminated water sources. Contact transmission involves direct physical interaction between individuals or surfaces but does not involve an intermediary living organism for disease propagation.