Question

(A): The most commonly observed form of tuberculosis in India is pulmonary tuberculosis.
(R): It is linked to poverty, under nutrition and poor immune function.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Hint:

Undernutrition compromises cell-mediated immunity, which is the body's primary defense against TB. This significantly increases the risk that a latent TB infection will reactivate and progress into active, contagious pulmonary disease.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Evaluating the Assertion (A):
Tuberculosis is a major public health challenge in India. Pulmonary TB affects the lungs (the primary site of entry), and it is the most common form of the disease. Thus, the assertion is True.

Step 2: Evaluating the Reason (R):
The prevalence and spread of tuberculosis are closely linked to socioeconomic and physiological factors like undernutrition and weakened immune systems. Thus, the reason is True.

Step 3: Determining the Logical Link:
While both statements are factually true, the reason (R) explains the overall socioeconomic and physiological risk factors that drive TB infections. It does not explain why the pulmonary form specifically is more common than the extra-pulmonary form. Therefore, (R) is not the direct scientific explanation for (A).