What is the primary mechanism of action of treatments for TB infections?

What is the primary mechanism of action of treatments for TB infections?

• A. Vaccination with BCG
• B. Antituberculosis drugs kill or inhibit multiplication of drug susceptible tubercle bacilli
• C. Surgical removal of infected tissue
• D. Antibiotics for viral infections

Answer: (C)

Antituberculosis therapy relies on drugs that attack the bacteria themselves—these medications either kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis or stop it from multiplying. This direct antimicrobial action lowers the bacterial burden, speeds recovery, and reduces transmission. Vaccination with BCG is a preventive measure, not treatment for an active infection, and surgical removal of tissue is not the primary mechanism of treatment (it’s rarely used as an adjunct in specific situations). The idea of antibiotics for viral infections doesn’t apply to TB since TB is caused by a bacterium, not a virus.

Antituberculosis therapy relies on drugs that attack the bacteria themselves—these medications either kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis or stop it from multiplying. This direct antimicrobial action lowers the bacterial burden, speeds recovery, and reduces transmission. Vaccination with BCG is a preventive measure, not treatment for an active infection, and surgical removal of tissue is not the primary mechanism of treatment (it’s rarely used as an adjunct in specific situations). The idea of antibiotics for viral infections doesn’t apply to TB since TB is caused by a bacterium, not a virus.