What is the term for the killing of an infectious agent outside the body by chemical or physical means?

Disinfection refers to the process of killing or inactivating infectious agents outside the body using chemical or physical methods. This can include the use of disinfectants, which are chemicals specifically designed to eliminate pathogens on surfaces or in liquids, or physical methods such as heat or ultraviolet light. The primary goal of disinfection is to reduce the number of viable microorganisms to a level that is not harmful, especially in settings such as healthcare facilities, food preparation areas, and public spaces.

In contrast, detoxification typically refers to the process of removing or neutralizing toxins, and deodorization is aimed at eliminating unpleasant odors rather than infectious agents. Destabilization is not a recognized term relevant to the killing of infectious agents and does not capture the essence of the disinfection process. Thus, disinfection is the term that accurately describes the removal or destruction of infectious agents outside the body.