What type of microorganism spreads through food, water, and bodily contact?

Bacteria are a type of microorganism that can spread through food, water, and bodily contact. This occurs because bacteria can inhabit various environments, allowing them to contaminate food and water supplies or transfer from one person to another through direct contact. For instance, certain types of bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, are well-known for causing foodborne illnesses through contaminated food or water. Additionally, bacteria can spread through poor hygiene practices, making bodily contact a pathway for transmission in various settings, such as healthcare facilities or crowded places.

In contrast, while viruses can spread through similar routes, they operate differently and rely on living hosts to reproduce. Fungi typically require specific conditions to thrive and do not spread as readily through food or water. Spores represent a dormant stage in certain fungi and bacteria but do not actively spread on their own; rather, they can be dispersed under favorable conditions. Thus, the characteristics and transmission methods of bacteria make them the correct choice in this scenario.