The reservoir of infection is defined as the place where:

• A. Where infections occur via droplets
• B. Where waste accumulates
• C. Where organisms can thrive
• D. Where gloves are discarded

Answer: (C)

A reservoir of infection is the natural habitat where a microorganism can survive, multiply, and persist. It can be a person, animal, plant, soil, water, or any environment that supports the organism over time. The reason this is the best answer is that thriving means the pathogen can sustain itself and maintain infectivity, providing a continual source from which others can become infected. This concept is about persistence of the organism, not about how it’s transmitted (such as through droplets) or about where waste collects or gloves are discarded. For example, some bacteria or viruses can persist in a carrier or in environmental settings like water systems, soil, or damp surfaces, continuing to pose a risk of infection as long as the reservoir exists.