microbicide
Destroys tiny organisms
A microbicide is a substance that kills microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microscopic pathogens.
The term appears most often in public health contexts referring to topical gels or creams designed to prevent sexually transmitted infections: Researchers are developing vaginal microbicides to reduce HIV transmission.
Broader uses include any antimicrobial agent applied to surfaces or tissues.
Of the birth canal
- rectalOf the hindgut's end
- contraceptivePregnancy prevention method
- lubricantFriction-reducing substance
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
nonoxynol-9 · PrEP · transmission · STI · mucosal · partner · empowerment · acceptability
Agent destroying viral pathogens
- sporicideSubstance destroying dormant microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
sterilant · preservative · chlorhexidine · quaternary · phenolic · peroxide · bleach · alcohol
Disease-causing microorganism
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
- microorganismMicroscopic living entity
biofilm · infection · resistance · parasite · microflora · pharmacology · toxicology · therapeutic
Eliminating pathogens from surfaces
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- sanitationCleanliness for public health
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- hygienePractices maintaining cleanliness
asepsis · fumigation · pasteurization · surface · instrument · environmental · clinical · household
vaginal
Of the birth canal
- rectalOf the hindgut's end
- contraceptivePregnancy prevention method
- lubricantFriction-reducing substance
barrier · nonoxynol-9 · PrEP · transmission · STI · mucosal · partner · empowerment · acceptability · safety
virucide
Agent destroying viral pathogens
- sporicideSubstance destroying dormant microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
sanitizer · sterilant · preservative · chlorhexidine · quaternary · phenolic · peroxide · bleach · alcohol · formulation
pathogen
Disease-causing microorganism
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- fungusSpore-bearing organism
microorganism · biofilm · infection · resistance · parasite · microflora · pharmacology · toxicology · therapeutic · prophylaxis
disinfection
Eliminating pathogens from surfaces
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- sanitationCleanliness for public health
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
hygiene · asepsis · fumigation · pasteurization · surface · instrument · environmental · clinical · household · industrial
microbicidegrowth medium
Nutrient substance for cultivation
agar · probiotic · growth factor · prebiotic · inoculant
microbe, microbes, microorganisms, microbial, germicide, microbiology, fungicide, antimicrobial, bactericide