Which bacterium produces spores that are resistant to disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for long periods?

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Multiple Choice

Which bacterium produces spores that are resistant to disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for long periods?

Spore formation and environmental persistence are the key ideas here. Clostridium difficile produces endospores that are highly resistant to many disinfectants and can remain viable on surfaces for long periods, which helps the organism spread in settings like healthcare facilities. To clean effectively, sporicidal agents—such as concentrated bleach or hydrogen peroxide-based products—are often required to inactivate these spores. The other bacteria listed do not form spores, so their ability to survive on surfaces is not due to spore resilience in the same way.

Spore formation and environmental persistence are the key ideas here. Clostridium difficile produces endospores that are highly resistant to many disinfectants and can remain viable on surfaces for long periods, which helps the organism spread in settings like healthcare facilities. To clean effectively, sporicidal agents—such as concentrated bleach or hydrogen peroxide-based products—are often required to inactivate these spores. The other bacteria listed do not form spores, so their ability to survive on surfaces is not due to spore resilience in the same way.

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