What are disease-causing microorganisms destroyed by disinfection called?

The term used to describe disease-causing microorganisms that are destroyed through disinfection is "pathogens." Pathogens encompass a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that can lead to disease in humans or animals. The process of disinfection is critical in water treatment and sanitation, as it aims to eliminate or inactivate these harmful microorganisms to ensure that water is safe for consumption and use.

The focus on pathogens is important because they represent the primary threats to public health in water sources. By understanding that pathogens are the target of disinfection efforts, water treatment professionals can better implement effective strategies and technologies to protect community health.

Other terms may refer to specific categories or states of microorganisms. Viruses are a type of pathogen, and spores are a form of bacterial survival that are resistant to adverse conditions rather than a classification of disease-causing organisms as a whole. Infections refer to the state of disease that occurs when pathogens invade a host and multiply, which is a step that follows the presence of pathogens. Thus, identifying pathogens as the correct term captures the essence of what disinfection aims to eliminate.