How is tuberculosis primarily transmitted among individuals?

Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings, which generates respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. These droplets can then be inhaled by others nearby, leading to transmission through aspiration. This airborne transmission is a key factor in the spread of TB, making it essential for individuals to be aware of exposure risk in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.

In contrast, direct contact with infected surfaces, contamination through water, or sharing utensils does not play a significant role in the transmission of TB. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are not typically spread through surface contact or contaminated food or water, reinforcing the importance of understanding respiratory droplet transmission in managing and preventing the spread of this disease. Thus, aspiration, or inhaling the bacteria-laden droplets from an infected person, is the correct and primary means of transmission for tuberculosis.