What is a common example of a fomite?

A fomite is an inanimate object or surface that can carry infectious organisms and contribute to the spread of disease. The correct answer, a pencil, fits this definition perfectly. Pencils are commonly used objects that can pick up and transfer pathogens through surface contact, either from a person's hands or environment.

Understanding fomites is essential in clinical practice because they can play a significant role in infection control. For instance, if someone who is ill touches a pencil, and another person subsequently uses that same pencil, there is a risk of transmission of germs.

The other options do not fit the definition of a fomite. A fly is a living creature, not an inanimate object, while soil, although it can harbor pathogens, is considered an environmental reservoir rather than a fomite. A human being is also not considered a fomite since they are living carriers rather than inanimate objects that can transfer infections.