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Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Malay Sarkar1, Jasmine Sarkar2
1Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2644-2750, Corresponding Author.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|September 16, 2025
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) primarily spreads through inhaling infectious droplet nuclei. Understanding this airborne transmission is key for effective prevention and control strategies to combat the global TB burden.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health threat, necessitating effective control strategies.
- Airborne infection control is a critical component of TB elimination efforts.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is vital for disease burden reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) transmission.
- To highlight the role of droplet nuclei in TB spread.
- To inform preventive strategies for TB control.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature was conducted.
- Searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL up to July 2024.
- Keywords included TB, transmission, aerosols, cough, droplet nuclei, Wells-Riley equation, and UVGI.
Main Results:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) primarily transmits via inhalation of small droplet nuclei (1-5 µm).
- These droplet nuclei can reach the alveoli, facilitating infection.
- Factors influencing TB transmission include human behavior, environment, and pathogen characteristics.
- Droplet nuclei are generated through various respiratory activities like coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of TB transmission mechanisms, particularly droplet nuclei, is essential.
- Preventive strategies must address the airborne nature of TB transmission.
- Infection control measures targeting droplet nuclei are crucial for TB elimination.
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