Which disease is primarily spread by air transmission?

Which disease is primarily spread by air transmission?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Mumps
• C. Strep throat
• D. HIV

Answer: (A)

Airborne transmission involves inhaling tiny infectious particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods and be carried by air currents. Tuberculosis fits this mode because it spreads when someone with active pulmonary TB releases aerosolized droplet nuclei through coughing, sneezing, or talking. These small particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs of others, leading to infection, which is why airborne precautions are essential (negative-pressure rooms and properly fitted respirators for staff). The other options do not rely primarily on this long-range in-air spread. Mumps and strep throat spread mainly through larger respiratory droplets and close contact, not through persistent airborne particles. HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids, not through the air.

Airborne transmission involves inhaling tiny infectious particles that can remain suspended in the air for long periods and be carried by air currents. Tuberculosis fits this mode because it spreads when someone with active pulmonary TB releases aerosolized droplet nuclei through coughing, sneezing, or talking. These small particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs of others, leading to infection, which is why airborne precautions are essential (negative-pressure rooms and properly fitted respirators for staff).

The other options do not rely primarily on this long-range in-air spread. Mumps and strep throat spread mainly through larger respiratory droplets and close contact, not through persistent airborne particles. HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids, not through the air.