How is TB spread?

• A. TB is spread by sharing utensils
• B. TB is spread through contaminated water
• C. TB is spread via blood transfusions
• D. TB is spread by droplet nuclei produced from infected individuals when they cough, sneeze, sing or speak

Answer: (D)

The main concept tested is how tuberculosis is transmitted. TB spreads through the air as tiny droplet nuclei that are released when someone with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks. These small particles can float in the air for extended periods and be inhaled by people nearby, leading to infection. Because the bacteria ride on airborne particles, TB exposure is most likely in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces where people spend time close to an infected person. This is why airborne precautions—like appropriate respirators for health care workers and negative-pressure rooms—are used with known or suspected TB patients.

The other ways listed do not fit TB transmission. TB is not spread by sharing utensils, through contaminated water, or via blood transfusions, which involve contact with surfaces, ingestion, or blood rather than inhalation of airborne droplets.