A disease spore, such as that causing ringworm, could remain infectious for which of the following durations?

• A. Several years
• B. One week
• C. A few hours
• D. One month

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a spore is: In microbiology, a spore is a resistant, dormant structure formed by some microorganisms, including fungi, to survive unfavorable conditions.
2. Recognize that spores, such as those causing ringworm (a fungal infection), are known for their durability and ability to remain infectious over long periods.
3. Consider the environmental factors that affect spore survival, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to disinfectants, which can influence how long spores remain viable.
4. Compare the given time options (a few hours, one week, one month, several years) with the known resilience of fungal spores, which are typically capable of surviving for extended periods.
5. Conclude that because fungal spores can remain infectious for very long durations, the correct choice is the longest time frame provided, which is 'several years.'