Tuberculosis is caused by?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known infectious disease caused by a specific type of microorganism.
The causative agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is classified as a bacterium.
This bacterium is a rod-shaped, aerobic organism, often referred to as an acid-fast bacillus (AFB) due to its unique cell wall that resists decolorization by acid in staining procedures.
Therefore, the correct classification for the cause of tuberculosis is bacteria.

Option A: Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that cause different types of infections, known as mycoses. They do not cause tuberculosis.
Option B: Parasites are organisms that live in or on a host, causing harm. They are not the cause of tuberculosis.
Option C: Viruses are infectious agents that replicate only inside the living cells of other organisms. They are structurally and biologically different from the causative agent of TB.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Tuberculosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying TB as a bacterial infection is fundamental for nursing practice because it dictates the treatment (antibiotics), infection control measures (airborne precautions), and diagnostic approach (sputum for AFB smear/culture).
Nurses play a critical role in implementing airborne precautions for suspected or confirmed TB patients. This includes placing the patient in a negative-pressure room, ensuring staff use N95 respirators, and having the patient wear a surgical mask when outside the room.
In the Indian context, nurses are central to the success of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), including administering Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) to ensure patient adherence to the long antibiotic regimen.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to determine the type of microorganism that causes tuberculosis.
This is a direct factual recall question common in nursing entrance exams.
Recall the specific pathogen for tuberculosis, which is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Classify this pathogen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a well-known bacterium.
Review the given options: Fungus, Parasite, Virus, and Bacteria.
Select the option that correctly classifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The correct choice is Bacteria.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QKmUbdDl9LOA49Qnm6O9je

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 114-116

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1421-1423

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 375-377

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

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