Disinfection is defined as the process of destroying what?

• A. Sterilization of equipment
• B. Harmful organisms, including bacteria, viruses, germs, and fungi
• C. Cleaning surfaces only
• D. Decontamination of soil

Answer: (B)

Disinfection is about destroying harmful microorganisms that can cause infection on surfaces and equipment, reducing the risk of transmission. The best answer captures this by describing the elimination of harmful organisms, including bacteria, viruses, germs, and fungi. Sterilization would destroy all forms of life including spores, which is a higher level of control than disinfection. Cleaning surfaces alone removes dirt but does not necessarily destroy pathogens, and decontaminating soil is not what disinfection typically refers to in esthetics practice.