Which of the following statements about residues from quaternary ammonium compounds is correct?

Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly known as quats, are widely used as disinfectants in veterinary and medical settings due to their ability to kill bacteria and other pathogens. The statement indicating that they inhibit bacterial growth is correct because quaternary ammonium compounds operate by disrupting the cell membranes of bacteria, ultimately leading to their death and preventing their proliferation.

In practice, these compounds are effective against a variety of microorganisms, including some bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them useful for sanitation in veterinary clinics. The ability to inhibit bacterial growth is a fundamental property that is leveraged for cleaning and disinfection purposes, aiding in the reduction of infection risk in both clinical and non-clinical environments.