TB is transmitted from person to person primarily by which route?

• A. Direct skin contact with an infected person
• B. Ingestion of contaminated food or water
• C. Bloodborne exposure
• D. Inhalation of infected aerosolized droplets

Answer: (D)

TB spreads through the air. When someone with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny airborne particles that can linger in the room and be inhaled by others deep into the lungs. This inhalation of aerosolized droplets is why airborne transmission is the primary route for TB. The other routes—direct skin contact, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or bloodborne exposure—do not transmit TB in typical scenarios. Understanding this helps explain why precautions focus on airborne isolation and respirators to prevent inhalation of infectious particles.