What term is used for substances capable of destroying bacteria?

The term "bactericidal" specifically refers to substances that are designed to kill bacteria. These agents work by targeting various components of bacterial cells, leading to their destruction and preventing them from replicating. Bactericidal agents can be crucial in environments where bacterial infections are a concern, such as in barbering and personal grooming settings, as they help to ensure tools and surfaces are free from harmful microorganisms.

In contrast, the other terms refer to substances with different but related functions. "Virucidal" refers to agents that kill viruses, "sporicidal" describes substances that can kill bacterial spores, which are a more resistant form of bacteria, and "fungicidal" pertains to agents that kill fungi. Understanding these distinctions is important in infection control practices to select the appropriate agent for specific pathogens.