TB is transmitted primarily through which route?

• A. Through contaminated water
• B. Through direct contact with infected blood
• C. Through aerosolization (airborne route) when infected individuals cough
• D. Through skin-to-skin contact

Answer: (C)

TB spreads mainly through the air. When someone with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks, they release tiny droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by others. This airborne route makes close, prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated spaces higher risk, which is why airborne precautions and proper ventilation are emphasized in care settings.

Other routes don’t fit TB transmission well. Contaminated water is a vector for different diseases, not TB. Transmission through infected blood is not typical for TB, and skin-to-skin contact does not spread it because the bacteria aren’t transmitted via the skin or surfaces in routine contact.