**Core Concept**
The primary goal of tuberculosis (TB) treatment is not merely symptom control or preventing spread, but achieving definitive eradication of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* from the body. This is essential because TB is a chronic, latent infection that can relapse if the bacteria persist.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Complete bacteriological cure means the absence of detectable bacteria in sputum and other clinical specimens after treatment, typically confirmed by two negative sputum smears and culture after 6–8 months. This is the gold standard in TB management, as it ensures that the pathogen is truly eliminated, preventing relapse and transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) and global guidelines emphasize bacteriological cure over clinical cure due to the risk of reactivation and drug resistance.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: Prevention of complications is a secondary goal; clinical symptoms may resolve without eradicating bacteria, leading to relapse.
Option B: While TB transmission is a major concern, stopping transmission is not the *main* aim—curing the infection is more fundamental.
Option C: Clinical cure (symptom resolution) can occur even if bacteria remain, making it insufficient for true treatment success.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In TB, "cure" is defined by bacteriological negativity, not just symptom improvement. A patient with clinical cure but positive culture remains at high risk for relapse and is considered non-cured.

✓ Correct Answer: D. Complete bacteriological cure