Tuberculosis may be transmitted through which method?

Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing droplets containing the bacteria into the environment. When another person inhales these droplets, they may become infected. This airborne transmission is the most common method of spread for tuberculosis, especially in settings where individuals are in close proximity to one another.

Other methods of transmission mentioned, such as touching contaminated surfaces, sharing food, or swimming in infected water, are not reliable routes for the spread of tuberculosis. The bacteria do not survive long on surfaces, and it requires direct airborne exposure to infect a person. Thus, recognizing coughing as the main mode of transmission is crucial for understanding how to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in healthcare settings and broader community.