Low- and intermediate-level disinfectants are effective against which types of microorganisms?

Disinfectants are classified into three levels based on efficacy: High-level disinfectants (e.g., glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide 6%) — kill all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores; used for semi-critical items (endoscopes). Intermediate-level disinfectants (e.g., iodophors, 70% isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite 1:100) — kill vegetative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most viruses, and fungi; do NOT kill bacterial spores. Low-level disinfectants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, detergents) — kill most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and enveloped viruses; do NOT kill M. tuberculosis, non-enveloped viruses, or spores. Therefore, low-level disinfectants effectively kill vegetative bacteria and enveloped viruses.