Which virus can survive the LONGEST on environmental surfaces?

Correct answer: D. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

• A. M. tuberculosis (a bacterium, not a virus) is listed as a distractor. It is environmentally hardy but the question specifies viruses. Among viruses, HBV is most surface-stable.
• B. HCV is much more fragile outside the body — survives on surfaces for up to 4 days but is less stable than HBV overall.
• C. HIV is VERY FRAGILE outside the body — typically survives only minutes to hours on dry surfaces, depending on conditions. HIV is the LEAST environmentally stable bloodborne pathogen.
• D. HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) can survive on dry environmental surfaces for up to 7 DAYS (some sources cite up to 1 week), remaining infectious. This makes HBV the most environmentally resistant of the common bloodborne pathogens — a major reason for strict surface disinfection in dental offices.