What term describes agents that are capable of destroying viruses?

The term that describes agents capable of destroying viruses is "virucidal." Virucidal agents specifically target and inactivate viruses, making them essential for effective infection control, especially in environments such as barbershops where there is a risk of viral infections. These agents can come in various forms, including disinfectants and sanitizers, and are crucial for preventing the transmission of viral pathogens.

In contrast, "bactericidal" refers to agents that specifically kill bacteria, while "fungicidal" targets fungi, and "sporicidal" is used for agents that can kill spores, which are a form of bacterial or fungal life that is highly resistant to many disinfectants. Each of these terms pertains to specific groups of microorganisms, underscoring the importance of using the appropriate disinfectant depending on the type of pathogen being addressed.