What process kills or destroys a specific number of disease-causing organisms?

The process that kills or destroys a specific number of disease-causing organisms is disinfection. Disinfection involves using chemical agents or physical methods to reduce the number of pathogens to a level that is not harmful to health, although it may not eliminate all microorganisms completely. This primarily targets bacteria and viruses that can cause disease, making surfaces or instruments considerably safer for use.

In contrast, sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, which is a more extensive process than disinfection and is typically used in contexts where total absence of microbes is essential, such as in surgical instruments. Cleaning involves the removal of dirt and impurities from surfaces but does not necessarily kill microorganisms, while sanitization reduces the number of germs to a safe level as dictated by public health standards but does not specifically target disease-causing organisms.