What is the process that destroys pathogenic micro-organisms?

Disinfection is the process that specifically targets and destroys pathogenic microorganisms, which are the harmful bacteria and viruses capable of causing disease. This process typically involves the use of chemicals or heat to eliminate a significant number of these pathogens on inanimate objects and surfaces. Disinfection may not kill all microorganisms, especially resistant spores, but it does reduce them to a level that is considered safe for public health.

While sanitization also involves reducing the number of microorganisms, it does not specifically focus on pathogenic organisms and usually aims to meet public health standards for cleanliness, which is broader than the targeted approach of disinfection. Sterilization goes further by eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is more thorough than what disinfection achieves. Decontamination is a general term that refers to the removal of contaminants, which can include cleaning processes, but it does not solely imply the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms like disinfection does. Thus, disinfection is the most accurate answer regarding the intentional destruction of pathogens.