Since tuberculosis is not transmitted by contaminated environmental
surfaces, why is it important
to select a disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim?

The ability to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis is used as a benchmark to
measure how well a disinfectant can kill germs. Mycobacteria have among the
highest levels of resistance of all microorganisms. Therefore, any germicide
with a tuberculocidal claim is considered capable of inactivating a broad
spectrum of pathogens, including less resistant organisms such as bloodborne
pathogens (e.g., hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV). The use of such products on
environmental surfaces plays no role in preventing the spread of tuberculosis
(which is airborne).