Which characteristic of an organism increases the risk of infection when assessing sanitation?

The characteristic of an organism that significantly increases the risk of infection when assessing sanitation is resistance to the chemical or virulence. This is because organisms that exhibit resistance to disinfectants and other chemical agents used for sanitation can survive and proliferate even in environments that are otherwise controlled. For example, some bacteria and viruses have developed mechanisms to withstand certain sanitizing agents, making it more difficult to eliminate them effectively. As a result, these resistant organisms can pose a greater threat in terms of spreading infections due to their ability to persist in environments that are considered sanitized.

Additionally, virulence factors play a crucial role in the severity of an infection. Pathogens with high virulence are more likely to establish infections and cause disease when sanitary measures are not adequate. Hence, understanding both chemical resistance and virulence characteristics is essential for managing infection risks in laboratory animal facilities and ensuring effective sanitation protocols.