What type of microorganisms do antiseptic solutions kill?

Antiseptic solutions are designed to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms on living tissues, including the skin. The correct answer highlights that these solutions are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.

Gram-negative microorganisms have a complex cell wall structure that makes them more resistant to certain types of antibiotics but not to antiseptics. Gram-positive microorganisms, on the other hand, have a simpler cell wall which is typically more susceptible to these solutions. Antiseptics work by disrupting cellular membranes or denaturing proteins, effectively targeting a broad spectrum of microbial life.

Focusing on both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria is essential for preventing infections, especially in surgical settings. Antiseptics can also have some effectiveness against viruses and fungi, but they are primarily recognized for their broader action against various bacteria, thereby making option C the most comprehensive and accurate description of the efficacy of antiseptic solutions.