What are communicable diseases known for?

Communicable diseases are defined primarily by their ability to be transmitted from one person to another, which makes option B the correct choice. These diseases, often caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, can spread through various methods, including direct physical contact, airborne transmission, vector-borne pathways (like mosquitoes), or contaminated surfaces and materials.

Understanding the mechanics of how these diseases spread is critical for public health measures, including vaccination, hygiene practices, and quarantine protocols. While options A, C, and D address important aspects of health and disease, they do not accurately describe the fundamental characteristic that defines communicable diseases. Chronic conditions may arise from various causes not limited to infectious agents, genetic mutations relate to hereditary issues rather than transmission, and not all communicable diseases are treated solely with antibiotics, as many are viral and do not respond to such treatments.