What type of disinfection process can kill M. tuberculosis var. bovis, but does not kill bacterial spores?

• A. Low level disinfection
• B. Intermediate level disinfection
• C. High level disinfection
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

Intermediate level disinfection is recognized for its ability to eliminate a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including M. tuberculosis var. bovis. This level of disinfection typically employs chemicals, such as alcohols or phenolic compounds, which are effective against most bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but may not eradicate bacterial spores.

Bacterial spores are particularly resistant structures, requiring higher levels of disinfection, such as high-level disinfection or sterilization processes, to be effectively destroyed. Therefore, while intermediate level disinfection can effectively target mycobacteria like M. tuberculosis var. bovis, its limitation in eliminating spores is what distinguishes it from other disinfection strategies that would provide a higher degree of microbial kill.