How may tuberculosis be transmitted?

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacteria that causes TB, known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is released into the air in tiny droplets when these actions occur. Other individuals can then inhale these droplets, leading to potential infection. This airborne transmission is why situations that allow close contact with an infectious person, particularly in enclosed spaces, significantly increase the risk of spreading TB.

While touching contaminated surfaces could be a method of transmission for some diseases, TB is not transmitted this way since it is not spread via surfaces or objects. Similarly, sharing utensils does not pose a risk for TB transmission because the bacteria do not survive long outside the body and are not spread through saliva in this manner. Lastly, skin contact on its own does not transmit TB since it primarily requires inhalation of air containing the bacteria. Therefore, the correct understanding of TB transmission focuses on the respiratory route, making coughing the accurate answer.