What is the primary mechanism of transmission for _Mycobacterium tuberculosis_?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) is most commonly spread from person to person. It presents four options, and the task is to identify the correct one.
Answer
_Mycobacterium tuberculosis_ is primarily transmitted through airborne particles.
The primary mechanism of transmission for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is through airborne particles (droplet nuclei) that are released when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
Answer for screen readers
The primary mechanism of transmission for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is through airborne particles (droplet nuclei) that are released when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
More Information
The infectious particles, known as droplet nuclei, are small enough to remain suspended in the air for some time, increasing the risk of transmission to others who inhale them.
Tips
A common misconception is that TB is spread through contact with surfaces or shared items. However, it is primarily an airborne disease.
Sources
- Tuberculosis: Causes and How It Spreads - CDC - cdc.gov
- Mechanisms of mycobacterial transmission - PubMed Central - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Tuberculosis Transmission - News-Medical - news-medical.net
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