Final answer:
Intermediate-level germicides can kill bacteria and some enveloped viruses but do not kill bacterial spores. Low-level germicides target vegetative bacteria and some viruses but not endospores. High-level germicides can lead to sterilization by also killing endospores.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agents or substances that can kill viruses and bacteria but are not capable of killing bacterial spores are referred to as intermediate-level germicides. These disinfectants are effective against vegetative cells (the active form of bacteria) and certain enveloped viruses but do not destroy bacterial endospores, which are resistant forms of bacteria capable of surviving extreme conditions. High-level germicides can lead to sterilization by killing vegetative cells, fungi, viruses, and endospores with extended exposure.
Low-level germicides primarily target vegetative bacteria and some viruses that have lipid envelopes but are not effective against tougher non-enveloped viruses and bacterial endospores. The chemical disinfectants, like chlorine bleach, are commonly used as intermediate-level disinfectants by cleaning surfaces in clinics, laboratories, and bathrooms, but they do not achieve complete sterilization.