What does the term 'transmission' refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, 'transmission' specifically refers to the transfer of disease from one host to another. This encompasses the various ways infections can be spread, including direct contact, airborne routes, or through vectors such as insects. Understanding transmission is crucial for public health interventions and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

The other terms do not correctly encapsulate the meaning of transmission. For instance, the diagnosis of disease pertains to identifying the specific illness a patient has, while the cause of infection refers to the specific pathogen (such as bacteria or virus) responsible for the disease. Contamination of surfaces involves the presence of pathogens on inanimate objects but does not address the broader concept of spreading disease between individuals or populations. Thus, the term 'transmission' is most accurately described by the transfer of disease.