What type of pathogens does disinfection primarily target?

Disinfection primarily targets viable microorganisms, which include both bacteria and certain viruses. This type of infection control method is designed to reduce or eliminate the presence of these pathogens on surfaces or instruments in a dental setting. It is important to focus on viable microorganisms because disinfection does not necessarily destroy all microbial life, unlike sterilization, which eliminates all forms of microbes, including spores.

The choice of viable microorganisms emphasizes the practical approach of disinfection in clinical settings. In most cases, disinfectants do not guarantee the complete eradication of all types of microbial life, particularly resistant spores, but they significantly lower the risk of infection by targeting those organisms that are most likely to cause disease, including bacteria that are actively growing and viruses that can infect hosts.

The other options suggest broader or more limited scopes than what disinfection specifically addresses. For example, disinfection is not aimed at all forms of microbial life as sterilization is, nor is it limited only to harmful bacteria, as some disinfectants also target specific viruses that may not be harmful in the same way bacteria are, yet still pose a risk of infection. Therefore, targeting viable microorganisms strikes a balance between efficacy in controlling infection risks and the practicalities of the disinfection process in dental care.