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What are the sources of infection and routes of transmission for tuberculosis?

Oct 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, the source of tuberculosis transmission is patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis who have tested positive for acid-fast bacilli in sputum smears or positive sputum cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Routes of transmission include droplet transmission, mother-to-child transmission, close contact transmission, foodborne transmission, and healthcare-associated transmission. If patients develop symptoms, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Generally, the source of tuberculosis transmission is individuals with active pulmonary tuberculosis who test positive for acid-fast bacilli in sputum smears or have a positive sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Transmission routes include droplet transmission, mother-to-child transmission, close contact transmission, foodborne transmission, and healthcare-associated transmission. Specific details are as follows:

1. Droplet Transmission

Droplet transmission is the primary route of pulmonary tuberculosis spread. When patients with tuberculosis cough or sneeze, they release Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the air via respiratory droplets. These airborne droplets can be inhaled by healthy individuals, leading to infection.

2. Mother-to-Child Transmission

Tuberculosis can also be transmitted from mother to child. If a pregnant woman has pulmonary tuberculosis, the bacteria may pass to the infant through the placenta, during childbirth, or via breastfeeding.

3. Close Contact Transmission

Close contact is another transmission route for tuberculosis. Since Mycobacterium tuberculosis can also spread directly through broken skin, living together, sharing eating utensils, handshakes, or other forms of close interaction with an infected person may lead to transmission.

4. Foodborne Transmission

Foods contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis may cause tuberculosis infection if accidentally consumed by healthy individuals.

5. Healthcare-Associated Transmission

In healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, or laboratories, failure to follow strict infection control measures may allow Mycobacterium tuberculosis to spread through the air to healthcare workers and other patients.

If a patient develops symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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