Which of the following is true of tuberculosis (TB)?

• A. It is most commonly acquired through contaminated food.
• B. It cannot be transmitted from person to person.
• C. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• D. It is primarily a viral infection.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of tuberculosis (TB) by identifying its causative agent. TB is an infectious disease, so determine whether it is caused by a bacterium, virus, or other pathogen.
2. Step 2: Review the modes of transmission for TB. Consider whether TB is spread through contaminated food, person-to-person contact, or other means such as airborne droplets.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options given: (a) TB acquired through contaminated food, (b) TB cannot be transmitted person to person, (c) TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and (d) TB is a viral infection.
4. Step 4: Recall that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterium known to cause TB, and that TB is primarily transmitted via airborne droplets from an infected person, not through food or non-transmissible means.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is that TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, distinguishing it from viral infections and incorrect transmission routes.