Disinfection is defined as?

• A. The process of removing all visible dirt from surfaces.
• B. A process that involves the use of chemical or physical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi
• C. The complete and permanent elimination of all microorganisms
• D. A method of removing surface contaminants through brushing

Answer: (B)

Disinfection means using chemical or physical methods to destroy or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It focuses on reducing pathogens to safe levels on surfaces or objects, rather than simply cleaning away dirt. This is different from sterilization, which aims for complete, permanent elimination of all microorganisms (including spores), and from cleaning, which removes visible soil and debris but doesn’t necessarily kill pathogens.