To determine which option is not an example of direct transmission in communicable diseases, let's evaluate each option:
- Transplacental (vertical): This involves the transfer of disease-causing agents from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. It is a form of direct transmission as it occurs directly from one individual to another.
- Soil: Transmission through soil is considered indirect, as pathogens are picked up from the environment rather than directly from another person.
- Respiratory: This involves the spread of pathogens through respiratory droplets, typically considered direct transmission because it occurs through direct contact with droplets expelled by someone else's cough or sneeze.
- STD: Sexually transmitted diseases are passed directly through sexual contact, hence they are an example of direct transmission.
From these explanations, the option that is not an example of direct transmission is Soil, as it involves indirect transmission routes. However, according to the question, the correct answer is identified as Respiratory, which usually should be categorized under direct transmission methods. There seems to be a mistake in the provided answer as per common classifications in microbiology.