Final answer:
True, side towels are common causes of cross-contamination since they can harbor and spread microbes, stressing the importance of proper sanitation to prevent disease transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of fomites is critical in understanding how microbes are spread via inanimate objects, potentially leading to the transmission of diseases. Side towels, being one of these objects, can harbor various microbes including bacteria like Clostridium botulinum and other pathogens. Where high levels of cleanliness are essential, especially in invasive applications, strict control protocols are enforced to ensure safety.
The resistance of microbes also dictates the intensity of the treatment required. For instance, C. botulinum’s ability to produce resistant endospores necessitates the use of extreme temperatures and pressures for disinfection. In contrast, other pathogens might be eliminated with less stringent measures, like laundering clothes. Side towels, if not properly sanitized, become a common breeding ground for microbes and, when used in multiple areas or handled by different people, they can facilitate the spread of pathogens from one surface to another, leading to cross-contamination.