What type of infections do quaternary ammonium compounds generally target?

Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly referred to as quats, are widely used as disinfectants because of their ability to effectively target bacterial and some viral infections. This class of compounds works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to cell death. Their effectiveness against bacteria makes them a popular choice in various cleaning and sanitizing products.

While they demonstrate some efficacy against certain viruses, particularly enveloped viruses, quats generally do not have the broad-spectrum activity needed to effectively combat fungal or parasitic infections. Options related to fungal and parasitic infections, therefore, do not accurately reflect the primary role of quaternary ammonium compounds. Additionally, stating that quats target all types of infections equally overlooks the specificity and limitations in their antimicrobial action. Overall, quaternary ammonium compounds are primarily recognized for their effectiveness against bacterial and select viral pathogens.