Tuberculosis is

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

Tuberculosis (TB) is classified as an airborne disease, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The primary mode of transmission is through the inhalation of microscopic droplet nuclei (1-5 microns) containing the bacteria.
These infectious particles are expelled into the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
The droplet nuclei can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods and can travel deep into the lungs of a susceptible person upon inhalation.

Option A: Water-borne diseases are spread through the ingestion of contaminated water. Tuberculosis is a respiratory infection and is not transmitted via water.
Option B: Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by the bite of an infected arthropod, such as a mosquito or tick. Tuberculosis does not involve a vector in its transmission cycle.
Option D: While a form of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis can be transmitted from cattle (a zoonotic route), the vast majority of human TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads from person to person through the air.

Visual 1: Infographic: A diagram illustrating the airborne transmission of Tuberculosis, showing an infected person coughing and releasing droplet nuclei, which are then inhaled by a nearby person.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mode of transmission of Tuberculosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that TB is airborne is critical for implementing correct infection control measures, such as placing patients in negative-pressure isolation rooms.
Healthcare staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically N95 respirators, when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed active TB.
Patient education should emphasize respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, to reduce the spread of infectious droplets.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question: the mode of transmission for Tuberculosis.
Recall or deduce the primary way TB spreads. Think about public health messages and hospital precautions associated with TB (e.g., masks, isolation rooms).
Evaluate each option against your knowledge: 'Water borne' relates to contaminated water. 'Vector borne' involves insects. 'Zoonotic' is from animals. 'Air borne' involves inhaling infectious particles.
Match the known transmission mechanism of TB (coughing, sneezing, inhaling droplets) with the best-fitting category.
Conclude that since TB spreads through tiny particles in the air, it is an 'Air borne disease'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KGMU 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.