The transmission of infection from the mother to the fetus through placenta is termed

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Vertical transmission is the specific term for the passage of an infectious agent from a mother to her child.
This mode of transmission includes several routes: transplacental (during pregnancy), perinatal (during birth), and postnatal (through breastfeeding).
The question describes transplacental transmission, which is a primary category of vertical transmission.
Infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, and Rubella can all be transmitted vertically.

Option A: Iatrogenic refers to an illness caused by a medical procedure or treatment, not by mother-to-child transmission.
Option B: Teratogenic describes an agent (like a drug or virus) that causes birth defects. It refers to the harmful effect on the fetus, not the route of transmission.
Option C: Nosocomial refers to an infection acquired within a hospital or healthcare setting. It is unrelated to mother-to-fetus transmission.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Modes of infectious disease transmission helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding vertical transmission is fundamental in antenatal care. It is the basis for routine screening of pregnant women for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis, and rubella.
Early detection of maternal infection allows for timely interventions, such as antiretroviral therapy for an HIV-positive mother, which can dramatically reduce the risk of transmission to the infant.
Nurses play a key role in educating expectant mothers about the risks of certain infections during pregnancy and the importance of screening and treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem: the specific route of infection 'from the mother to the fetus through the placenta'.
Next, analyze each option by defining its meaning in the context of epidemiology and infectious diseases.
Define 'Iatrogenic' as related to medical procedures.
Define 'Teratogenic' as related to causing birth defects (an effect, not a route).
Define 'Nosocomial' as related to hospital acquisition.
Define 'Vertical' as mother-to-child transmission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 131-133

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 348-350

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 352-354

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