Viruses

Infectious particles without own metabolism containing genetic material in form of nucleic acid. Viruses either have a lipoprotein envelope or no envelope. As they do not carry out metabolic processes themselves, they require host cells to replicate. Enveloped viruses (HIV, hepatitis B or C virus, herpes simplex virus) are inactivated by disinfectants relatively easily. In contrast, nonenveloped viruses (poliovirus, adenovirus) need disinfectants tested for virucidal activity.