Multiple Choice
Which chemical, commonly emitted from most manufactured building materials and furniture, is known to affect indoor air quality and can pose health risks?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Introduction to Microbiology
Multiple Choice
Someone who inconspicuously harbors a pathogen and spreads it to others is a:
A
carrier
B
vector
C
reservoir
D
index case
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definitions of each term: A 'carrier' is an individual who harbors a pathogen without showing symptoms and can transmit it to others; a 'vector' is an organism, often an insect, that transmits a pathogen between hosts; a 'reservoir' is a habitat or population where the pathogen normally lives and multiplies; the 'index case' is the first identified case in an outbreak.
Identify the key phrase in the question: 'inconspicuously harbors a pathogen and spreads it to others' implies the person does not show symptoms but can still transmit the disease.
Match the key phrase to the definitions: Since the individual is asymptomatic but can spread the pathogen, this fits the definition of a 'carrier'.
Exclude other options: A 'vector' is typically not a human but an organism like a mosquito; a 'reservoir' refers to a place or population, not an individual; the 'index case' is the first case identified, not necessarily asymptomatic or inconspicuous.
Conclude that the correct term for someone who inconspicuously harbors and spreads a pathogen is 'carrier'.
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