Any agent detrimental to, or destructive of, the life of microbes or bacterial organisms.

a chemical agent that kills or deactivates disease causing microorganisms, known as pathogens. Microbicides can be applied to the vaginal or rectal wall in the form of a gel, cream or suppository, providing protection against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and in some instances can prevent pregnancy.

an agent that inactivates, kills, or destroys microbes. Vaginal and anal microbicides are under study as a means of preventing HIV transmission.

An agent (eg, a chemical or antibiotic) that destroys microbes.