Sanskrit Verse

प्रसङ्गाद् गात्रसंस्पर्शान्निश्वासात् सहभोजनात्। सहशय्यासनाच्चापि वस्त्रमाल्यानुलेपनात्॥ कुष्ठं ज्वरश्च शोषश्च नेत्राभिष्यन्द एव च। औपसर्गिकरोगाश्च संक्रामन्ति नरान्नरम्॥

— (Sushruta Samhita, Nidanasthana 5/32-33)

Explanation

This concept describes communicable or infectious diseases. Sushruta explains that diseases like Kushtha (skin diseases), Jwara (fever), Shosha (tuberculosis), and Netrabhisyanda (conjunctivitis) can spread from one person to another through Prasanga (close contact), Gatra Samsparsha (physical touch), Nishvasat (breath), Sahabhojanat (sharing food), and sharing beds, seats, clothes, or garlands.

Clinical Importance

This shows that ancient physicians understood the concept of contagion. It underscores the importance of hygiene, quarantine (isolation of the patient), and disinfection in preventing the spread of certain diseases.