Viricide
from class: Microbiology 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.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Viricides can be chemical agents like bleach or physical methods like UV radiation. Effective viricides must target the virus without causing excessive harm to the host cells. Viricides are crucial in healthcare settings for disinfecting surfaces and instruments to prevent nosocomial infections. Not all disinfectants are viricidal; some may only target bacteria or fungi. The efficacy of a viricide can depend on factors such as concentration, contact time, and environmental conditions. Review Questions What is the primary function of a viricide? Why is it important for a viricide to be selective in its action? In what settings are viricides commonly used and why?
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