Which of the following is NOT a common route of transmission for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A) Unprotected sexual contact is a common route of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as many STIs are spread through genital, anal, or oral sex without the use of barrier protection such as condoms. B) Sharing contaminated needles can also transmit STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, especially among individuals who inject drugs. C) Deep kissing, while it can transmit certain infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), is not a common route of transmission for most STIs. Although some STIs can be transmitted through saliva, deep kissing is not a primary mode of transmission for most STIs. D) Mother to child transmission during childbirth can occur with certain STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and herpes, where the infection can be passed from the mother to the baby during delivery. Therefore, deep kissing (option C) is the correct answer as it is not a typical route of transmission for most STIs.