In the infection control process, which type of pathogen is most difficult to eliminate?

Filterable viruses are considered the most difficult type of pathogen to eliminate in the infection control process due to their unique characteristics and resilience. Unlike bacteria and fungi, which can often be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications, viruses do not respond to these treatments. They are significantly smaller than bacteria and can evade the immune system and disinfectants more effectively.

Additionally, filterable viruses require living host cells to replicate, making them challenging to target with many disinfectants. Standard cleaning and sanitation practices may not be sufficient to eliminate them, often necessitating the use of specialized antiviral agents or treatments. This resilience and dependence on host cells contribute to the difficulty in their eradication compared to other types of pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can be managed through established protocols in infection control.