Veneral diseases can spread through :

(a) Using sterile needles

(b) Transfusion of blood from infected person

(c) Infected mother to foetus

(d) Kissing

(e) Inheritance

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

The correct option is (b) and (c) only.

To understand why this is the correct choice, let us evaluate each statement regarding how venereal diseases (also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STIs) are transmitted:

(a) Using sterile needles: Sterile needles are free from pathogens. Therefore, using them prevents the spread of infections. Venereal diseases can spread via contaminated (unsterile) needles, but not through sterile ones. Thus, statement (a) is incorrect.

(b) Transfusion of blood from infected person: Many pathogens responsible for venereal diseases (such as HIV and Hepatitis B) are present in the blood. Transfusing infected blood directly introduces these pathogens into the recipient's bloodstream, facilitating transmission. Thus, statement (b) is correct.

(c) Infected mother to foetus: Certain venereal diseases (like Syphilis, HIV, and Gonorrhea) can pass from an infected mother to her developing foetus across the placenta, or during childbirth. This vertical transmission is a well-established route of infection. Thus, statement (c) is correct.

(d) Kissing: While pathogens like HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) can sometimes spread via oral contact, kissing is generally not considered a primary route of transmission for standard venereal diseases unless there are active open sores or lesions present. In standard medical classification, kissing is excluded from the primary transmission routes of major STIs. Thus, statement (d) is not included in the correct answer.

(e) Inheritance: Venereal diseases are infectious diseases caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) rather than genetic disorders. They cannot be inherited through DNA or genes. While vertical transmission (mother to child) occurs, it is an infection acquired during pregnancy or birth, not genetic inheritance. Thus, statement (e) is incorrect.

Therefore, only statements (b) and (c) represent routes through which venereal diseases can spread.