What is the most common mode of pathogen transmission?

Transmiaaion of pathogens occurs between the external source and the receptor (new host). It occurs by several methods:

• airborne distribution (inhalation
  
• direct contact between individuals or objets
  
• sexual contact
  
• non sexual body fluid contact
  
• the birthing process to newborns
  
• breast feeding
  
• contaminated food and water
  
• punctures like insect feeding and animal bites and scratches

Worldwide the transmission of fecal matter in drinking water is a significant cause of pathogen transfer and related diseases. Whether this beats out malarial infections is difficult to determine. Tooth decay and colds are also very common but as they are not often lumped with deadly diseases their comparative frequency is not reported.