Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

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What type of agent kills viruses?

Virucidal
Virostatic
Antibiotic
Bacteriocidal

The correct answer is: Virucidal

The agent that is specifically designed to kill viruses is known as a virucidal. Virucides work by inactivating or destroying viral particles, thus preventing them from replicating and spreading. This type of agent is particularly important in controlling viral infections and is commonly used in disinfectants and antiseptics designed to eliminate viral pathogens on surfaces or skin. In contrast, other types of agents have different functions or target different kinds of microorganisms. Virostatic agents, for instance, inhibit the replication of viruses without necessarily destroying them, making them different from virucidal agents. Antibiotics are formulated to combat bacterial infections specifically and do not have any effect on viruses. Similarly, bacteriocidal agents are designed to kill bacteria, not viruses. This distinction is essential when considering appropriate treatment options for infections caused by specific pathogens.