Which type of bacteria do disinfectants typically not destroy?

Disinfectants are designed to eliminate a wide variety of microorganisms, but bacterial spores are significantly more resilient than other types of bacteria and organisms. Spores are dormant forms of bacteria that can withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures and harsh chemicals, which makes them highly resistant to many disinfectants that are effective against vegetative bacteria and other microbes, such as viruses and fungi.

While disinfectants can effectively kill pathogenic bacteria and other pathogens, without specific and specialized products or processes (such as sterilization methods), they often fall short in eliminating the more durable bacterial spores. This is crucial for maintaining hygiene in environments where spores may pose a contamination risk, like in certain healthcare or food preparation settings. Understanding the limitations of disinfectants is essential for ensuring proper sanitation and infection control measures.