In the chain of infection (infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host), which link is generally considered the easiest to break to prevent disease spread?

• A. Susceptible host
• B. Reservoir
• C. Mode of transmission
• D. Infectious agent

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the chain of infection, which consists of six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
2. Recognize that breaking any one of these links can help prevent the spread of disease, but some links are easier to interrupt than others.
3. Consider the 'mode of transmission' link, which refers to how the infectious agent moves from the reservoir to a new host (e.g., direct contact, airborne, vectors).
4. Evaluate common prevention strategies such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and sterilization, which target the mode of transmission and are practical and effective.
5. Conclude that because interventions at the mode of transmission are often straightforward and widely applicable, this link is generally considered the easiest to break to prevent disease spread.