What is a common method of Tb transmission to humans?

The common method of tuberculosis (TB) transmission to humans primarily occurs through aerosol droplets. When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, speaks, or laughs, they release tiny droplets that can contain the tuberculosis bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These droplets can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, allowing other individuals to inhale them and potentially become infected.

This mode of transmission underscores the airborne nature of TB as a highly infectious disease, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces where ventilation is inadequate for dispersing the bacteria.

In contrast to this correct answer, handling infected animals, while it can be a concern for some zoonotic infections, is not a primary method of TB transmission in humans since the most common strain is primarily human-specific. Eating raw meat is not a common route of infection in the context of TB as it primarily spreads through air, not food, and contact with inanimate objects does not facilitate the spread of the disease, since the bacteria do not survive long on surfaces. Thus, understanding aerosol transmission is crucial for recognizing and controlling tuberculosis outbreaks.