South Africa: New Study Shows That Normal Breathing Is a Major Spreader of TB

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Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease transmitted via droplet aerosols. Humans constantly produce aerosols, even during normal breathing. Since Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified as the causative agent of TB, almost 150 years ago, people have assumed that coughing is the main way that infectious aerosols are generated.

Persistent cough is assumed to be the main source of TB transmission and is a defining symptom of TB. It is always listed among the key questions asked when people present with possible TB. Yet, in many cases, infection with M. tuberculosis does not lead to the development of symptomatic disease.

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