Which pathogens are associated with droplet precautions?

Droplet precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infections that are spread through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. This includes pathogens that can be contracted through close respiratory contact, typically within three to six feet of the infected person.

The correct response highlights pertussis (whooping cough) and meningitis, as both are caused by organisms that can be transmitted via respiratory droplets. Pertussis is highly contagious and primarily spreads through these droplets, requiring droplet precautions upon diagnosis to prevent further spread, especially in healthcare settings. Meningitis, particularly viral or bacterial forms, can also be transmitted in a similar manner through close contact with an infected individual.

The other options include pathogens that do not primarily spread through respiratory droplets. For instance, HIV and Hepatitis are primarily transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Rotavirus and Norovirus are typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route rather than respiratory droplets and therefore do not necessitate droplet precautions. Lastly, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) can be spread through skin contact, and C. difficile is transmitted primarily through spore contamination, unrelated to droplet spread. Thus, the pathogens associated with droplet precautions are