Which of the following destroys acellular infectious agents? Bactericides Virucides Fungicides All the choices are correct Insecticides Antibiotics
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is Virucides.
Acellular infectious agents, such as viruses, are distinct from cellular organisms like bacteria, fungi, and insects. Each type of agent requires different methods for destruction or inhibition.
- Bactericides are chemicals that kill bacteria, but they do not affect viruses or fungi. They work by disrupting the cell walls or metabolic processes of bacteria, but are ineffective against acellular pathogens like viruses.
- Virucides are specifically designed to destroy or inactivate viruses. These agents may work by disrupting the viral particles, preventing them from binding to host cells, or destroying their genetic material. Virucides are the only ones that directly target acellular infectious agents, making them the correct choice for destroying viruses.
- Fungicides are used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. They target the cellular structures or metabolic processes of fungi, but like bactericides, they are ineffective against acellular agents such as viruses.
- Insecticides are chemicals used to kill or repel insects. These agents target the physiology of insects and have no effect on viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They are effective against bacteria, but they do not work on viruses, fungi, or other acellular infectious agents.
In conclusion, virucides are the correct agents for destroying acellular infectious agents like viruses, as they specifically target viral structures and functions.
