Which isolation technique is required for patients with tuberculosis (TB)?

The requirement for masks in the isolation of patients with tuberculosis (TB) stems from the airborne transmission of the bacteria that causes this disease, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, they release tiny droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled by people nearby, potentially leading to infection.

To protect healthcare workers and other patients from inhaling these infectious droplet nuclei, wearing a mask is essential. Specifically, a high-filtration mask such as an N95 respirator is recommended when in close contact with a patient who has active TB, as this type of mask can filter out small particles, providing significant protection.

While gloves, gowns, and eye protection are important for contact and droplet precautions in various infectious disease situations, they are not specifically required for TB because they do not address the primary route of transmission, which is through the air. Thus, the focus on masks as the required isolation technique for TB helps ensure safety by preventing airborne transmission of the pathogen.