Which of the following factors would LEAST contribute to the emergence of a new infectious disease?

The factor that would least contribute to the emergence of a new infectious disease is heat disinfection. Heat disinfection refers to the process of using high temperatures to kill pathogens and is a widely used method in public health to control infectious diseases. By effectively eliminating harmful microorganisms, heat disinfection helps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, thereby reducing the potential for new outbreaks to emerge.

In contrast, human behavior, antibiotic use, and disinfectant use can all influence the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. For example, changes in human behavior, such as increased travel or urbanization, can facilitate the spread of pathogens. Antibiotic use can lead to resistance, making it more difficult to treat infections and potentially contributing to the emergence of new strains of pathogens. Similarly, while disinfectant use is generally intended to eliminate harmful microorganisms, improper use or over-reliance on disinfectants can also lead to resistance or shifts in microbial populations, which may promote the emergence of new infectious diseases.