How long can Mycobacterium tuberculosis survive on clothing?

Under normal circumstances, the survival time of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on clothing varies greatly, ranging from several hours to as long as several months. If you have been in contact with a tuberculosis patient, it is recommended to disinfect your clothes promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

In dry environments at room temperature, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive on clothing for several months due to its cell wall lipids, which help prevent water loss. However, if clothing is frequently exposed to direct sunlight, the bacteria may be killed within a few hours. Additionally, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, alcohol, and moist heat. Exposure to UV lamps or direct sunlight for several hours, immersion in 75% alcohol for a few minutes, or boiling can effectively kill the bacteria.

If clothing remains in cold, damp conditions, the survival time of Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be prolonged, potentially lasting several months. Moreover, if the fabric is porous or contaminated with organic matter, these conditions can provide a suitable medium for bacterial survival, further extending their viability. Conversely, regularly washed and sun-dried clothing lacks favorable survival conditions, significantly reducing the duration that bacteria remain viable.

After contact with a tuberculosis patient, clothing should be washed and dried promptly. When necessary, use UV lamps or chlorine-based disinfectants to disinfect garments and reduce the risk of infection.