TB infection and fomites

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hi everyone,

Can TB infection be transmitted via inanimate objects (fomites) such as sharing of cigarette smoking among its peers ?

im confused because according to this website, TB infection can't be transmitted via inanimate objects.

You're not likely to get TB from someone coughing in the subway or at a restaurant. TB is not spread by sharing dishes, utensils, sheets, clothing, or other inanimate objects.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/diseases/tb-facts.shtml

Note: This question is paraphrase and its original reference is from Feuer CD practice questions.

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Here is a link to the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/?mobile=nocontent No, you can not get it by sharing a cigarette or a fomite. You only get it by the person coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing; anything where fresh droplets are likely to be excreted from the lungs. Hope that helps!

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

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thanks you.

it seems the rationale from Feuer is outdated because it says the TB is transmitted via droplet from the cigarette.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

That depends on how you look at it.....

How TB Spreads

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

TB is NOT spread by

  • shaking someone’s hand
  • sharing food or drink
  • touching bed linens or toilet seats
  • sharing toothbrushes
  • kissing

I am confused about the kissing because you breathe when you kiss......so if the smoker coughs nearby you while you are sharing a cigarette......you have been exposed

CDC | TB | Basic TB Facts

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