Which of these populations is least likely to develop TB?

Individuals with strong immune systems are indeed the group least likely to develop tuberculosis (TB). TB is primarily an airborne disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and while it can affect anyone, the likelihood of developing active TB is significantly lower for those with robust immune defenses.

A strong immune system is effective at recognizing and combating invaders, including the bacteria that causes TB. When a person is exposed to TB, their immune system can usually contain the infection, preventing it from progressing to an active disease state. This contrasts with other groups, such as healthcare workers, prison populations, and those living in crowded conditions, who often have higher exposure rates or greater chances of transmission due to close-contact environments or compromised health conditions. For instance, healthcare workers may frequently encounter individuals with active TB, putting them at an increased risk, while crowded living conditions facilitate the spread of the disease.

Thus, individuals with strong immune systems are far less susceptible to developing TB compared to these higher-risk populations.