What pathogen causes tuberculosis?

What pathogen causes tuberculosis?

• A. Virus
• B. Bacterium
• C. Fungus
• D. Protozoan

Answer: (B)

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live and reproduce on their own, unlike viruses which need a host cell, fungi which have their own distinct fungal cells, or protozoa which are larger single-celled eukaryotes. The specific agent behind TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium known for its waxy cell wall rich in mycolic acids. This bacterial nature explains why TB is treated with antibiotics over a prolonged period and why the infection spreads through respiratory droplets. Understanding that TB is a bacterial infection helps distinguish it from diseases caused by viruses, fungi, or protozoa.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live and reproduce on their own, unlike viruses which need a host cell, fungi which have their own distinct fungal cells, or protozoa which are larger single-celled eukaryotes. The specific agent behind TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium known for its waxy cell wall rich in mycolic acids. This bacterial nature explains why TB is treated with antibiotics over a prolonged period and why the infection spreads through respiratory droplets. Understanding that TB is a bacterial infection helps distinguish it from diseases caused by viruses, fungi, or protozoa.