Viricide

Definition

A viricide is an agent that deactivates or destroys viruses, thereby inhibiting their ability to replicate and cause infection. Viricides are used in various settings to control viral contamination and transmission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Viricides can be chemical agents like bleach or physical methods like UV radiation.
2. Effective viricides must target the virus without causing excessive harm to the host cells.
3. Viricides are crucial in healthcare settings for disinfecting surfaces and instruments to prevent nosocomial infections.
4. Not all disinfectants are viricidal; some may only target bacteria or fungi.
5. The efficacy of a viricide can depend on factors such as concentration, contact time, and environmental conditions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Disinfectant: A chemical agent used on non-living objects to destroy microorganisms.

Antiviral: Medications that inhibit the replication of viruses within host cells.

Sterilization:

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life from an object or surface.