Definition: The transmission of infectious disease or pathogens from one generation to another. It includes transmission in utero or intrapartum by exposure to blood and secretions, and postpartum exposure via breastfeeding.
coordinate IM with specific disease /transm (IM); INFECTIOUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION, HORIZONTAL see DISEASE TRANSMISSION, INFECTIOUS is also available; use for infections only; not for transmission of genetic diseases from one generation to another; DF: DI