Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which term describes a place that harbors viable and non-viable microbes?

1. Integrator

2. Reservoir

3. Disseminator

4. Amplifier

The correct answer is: Reservoir

The term that describes a place that harbors viable and non-viable microbes is a reservoir. In the context of microbiology and environmental science, a reservoir refers to any site or medium that contains microbial life, which may include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. This can encompass a variety of environments such as soil, water bodies, or even indoor settings where microbes can persist in living or dormant states. Reservoirs are crucial in studying the transmission of diseases, as they can support the life cycle of various pathogens and influence their spread to hosts. Understanding how reservoirs function helps in developing strategies for monitoring and controlling microbial populations, especially in settings concerned with indoor air quality and human health. The other terms represent different concepts. An integrator typically involves a system that combines input from various sources, while a disseminator relates to the spread or dispersal of information or microorganisms. An amplifier typically refers to a mechanism that increases the strength or amount of something, which may not directly pertain to the presence of microbes in a location.