How is tuberculosis primarily transmitted?

• A. Through sputum in airborne droplets or by dust particles
• B. Through waterborne contact
• C. Through skin contact with contaminated surfaces
• D. Through foodborne transmission

Answer: (D)

Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air. When someone with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria. These droplet nuclei can stay suspended in the air for hours and be inhaled by people nearby, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Because of this airborne route, factors like ventilation, duration of exposure, and proximity matter a lot for spread.

Water, skin contact with surfaces, or eating food are not how TB typically transmits from person to person, so those routes are not correct explanations. The description that matches the actual transmission is inhalation of sputum-containing droplets or dust particles in the air.