The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Understanding its causative agent and mode of transmission is essential for disease control and prevention.Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is not a viral or fungal infection.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: TB is an airborne disease, not a waterborne disease. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplet nuclei. Waterborne diseases typically include Cholera and Typhoid.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Since TB is transmitted via air droplets, isolating the patient is a critical measure to prevent the spread of the bacteria to healthy individuals, especially in the early, highly infectious stages of the disease.
Key Takeaway: Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, requiring respiratory isolation to prevent transmission.