Final answer:
HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions, unprotected sexual contact, and sharing needles, but it cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. Blood is now screened for HIV, reducing the risk of transmission through transfusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transferred by several means, but not all methods of contact result in transmission. According to the information provided, HIV can be transmitted through four main avenues:
- Blood transfusions: In the past, HIV was occasionally transmitted through blood transfusions, but now with rigorous screening of donated blood, this method is no longer a significant risk in nations where such precautions are taken.
- Unprotected sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through contact between an infected person's body fluids (such as semen or vaginal fluid) and another person's mucous membranes.
- Sharing needles: The virus can be spread through sharing contaminated hypodermic needles, commonly associated with intravenous drug use.
However, HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. While mosquitoes can transmit other viruses, such as those causing malaria or Zika virus, they do not transfer HIV from one person to another.
In summary, out of the options given, mosquito bites is the correct answer and is not a method of HIV transmission.