Which type of medicine is known to destroy bacteria?

Antibiotics are a class of medication specifically designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They function by targeting various essential processes within bacterial cells, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, and nucleic acid synthesis, thereby effectively killing the bacteria or stopping their reproduction. This makes antibiotics crucial in treating bacterial infections and preventing the spread of bacterial diseases.

In contrast, analgesics are medications used primarily to relieve pain but do not have any effect on bacteria. Antivirals are designed to combat viruses rather than bacteria, focusing on inhibiting viral replication within a host. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens but are not directly responsible for destroying bacteria. Thus, antibiotics are uniquely suited for this purpose, making them the correct answer.