Which term describes an agent that inhibits fungal growth?

• A. Antifungal
• B. Fungicidal
• C. Fungistat
• D. Bactericide

Answer: (C)

Growth inhibition is a mode of action where a substance slows or stops the replication of fungi without necessarily killing them. The term that describes an agent with this specific effect is fungistat. This makes it the best answer because the question asks for inhibition of growth, not necessarily killing. An antifungal is a broader label that can include both growth inhibition and killing. Fungicidal means the agent kills fungi. Bactericide targets bacteria, not fungi.