Which type of agent is specifically used to kill fungi?

A fungicide is specifically designed to kill fungi or inhibit their growth. This type of agent targets fungal cells, which have unique structures and metabolic pathways that differ from those of bacteria and viruses. Fungicides can be applied in various settings, including agriculture to protect crops and in medical applications to treat fungal infections in patients.

Antibiotics, on the other hand, are effective against bacteria but do not work on fungi, as their mechanisms of action are specific to bacterial cells. Antiseptics are substances used to reduce or eliminate pathogens on living tissues, and while some may have antifungal properties, they are not solely designated for fungi. Disinfectants are chemicals used on inanimate objects to eliminate or reduce harmful microorganisms, which may include fungi among other pathogens, but again, they are not exclusively for fungal control. Therefore, the specificity of fungicides makes them the correct answer for addressing fungal problems.