What mode of transmission is commonly associated with cat-scratch disease?

Cat-scratch disease is primarily transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats. When a person is scratched by a cat that carries the bacterium Bartonella henselae, it can enter the body through the break in the skin, leading to infection and subsequent symptoms. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of understanding how zoonotic diseases spread, particularly through direct contact with animal bodily fluids or tissues.

While the other modes of transmission listed (inhaling droplets, contaminated water, and animal bites) are associated with various diseases, they do not apply to cat-scratch disease. Inhalation of droplets typically pertains to respiratory infections, contaminated water mostly relates to gastrointestinal illnesses, and while animal bites can transmit several pathogens, cat-scratch disease is specifically linked to scratches from cats rather than bites. Understanding these specifics is crucial for effective prevention and management of such infections.