Question

Which of the following is a fomite method of transmission of diseases?
(a)Food
(b)Door handles
(c)Mosquitoes
(d)Soil

Answer 1

Hint: There are several factors that can carry pathogenic organisms from an infected person to a normal person, be it living or nonliving, and thus spreads the disease. The non-living ones are known as fomites.

Complete answer:
Door handles can be considered as a fomite method of transmission of diseases. Fomites are non-living objects or substances that can carry pathogenic microorganisms without our knowledge. When a normal person touches these fomites touched by an affected person, the pathogens in the fomites get to the normal person and thus spreads the disease. This is a common occurrence in hospitals.

Additional Information: Here's some more information about fomites.
-These are inanimate objects or substances that may carry disease and infection-causing agents. These are considered as passive vectors.
-The chance of disease spreading through fomites depends on several factors such as the type of the pathogen that is present on the fomite, temperature, humidity, porosity, etc. It is concluded by researchers that smooth surfaces such as metallic ones contain more pathogens than porous surfaces such as money, wood, etc.
-Hospitals acquired infections are mainly caused by fomites as there's more interaction of surfaces by patients and normal persons.
So, the correct answer is ‘Door handles’.

Note: Pathogens of common cold, conjunctivitis, influenza, pinworms, diarrhea, etc. are a common example of pathogens that can be transmitted through fomites. Food and soil can also transmit pathogens but they are not considered as fomites. Mosquitos are living vectors.