Which microorganism is referenced to identify a disinfectant as intermediate-level?

Intermediate-level disinfectants are defined by their ability to kill mycobacteria, which are more resistant to chemical agents than many other types of microorganisms. Mycobacterium tuberculosis var bovis, a type of bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, is used as a benchmark to categorize the effectiveness of disinfectants at this level. This classification is crucial in infection control practices, as it ensures that the disinfectant can eradicate not only less resistant pathogens but also those that are more difficult to eliminate, such as mycobacteria.

In the context of disinfectants, while viruses like HIV and Hepatitis B can be important targets for disinfectants, they do not specifically categorize them under intermediate-level criteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria but is generally used as a marker for low-level disinfection rather than intermediate-level. Therefore, the reference to Mycobacterium tuberculosis var bovis aligns specifically with the requirements for a disinfectant to be labeled as intermediate-level.