A facility experiencing an increase in active tuberculosis (TB) infections should implement what strategy to prevent transmission?

• A. Using appropriate barriers, such as masking and negative pressure rooms
• B. Vaccinating staff against TB
• C. Providing antibiotic prophylaxis to all patients
• D. Disinfecting room surfaces with UV light only

Answer: (A)

TB is spread through airborne particles, so stopping transmission in a facility relies on airborne precautions rather than relying on vaccines, universal prophylaxis, or surface disinfection alone. The most effective approach is to contain the infectious aerosols by using appropriate barriers and isolation: place the patient with active TB in an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure and adequate air exchanges, and ensure staff wear properly fitted respirators (N95 or higher) when providing care. Masking the patient and others, minimizing aerosol-generating procedures, and maintaining proper room ventilation work together to reduce the concentration of infectious particles in the air. While vaccination and prophylaxis can play supportive roles in certain contexts, they do not reliably prevent transmission in the acute care setting, and UV disinfection alone does not address airborne spread.