The nature and consequence of genetic variability within Mycobacterium tuberculosis

摘要: Viewed in terms of its historical and contemporary disease burden, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is undeniably the most successful human pathogen. Molecular paleoarchaeologic evidence clearly identified MTB as cause lesions 5,000-year-old mummies. Over recorded history, burden has been staggering. In Europe mortality was between 200 300 per 100,000 at beginning 19th century. Today, still remains an important morbidity displaced from position leading infectious death only by accounting policies World Health Organization, which attribute deaths to immunodeficiency virus increasing number coinfected persons. The future not brighter. optimistic scenarios predict excess 80 million new cases 20 coming decade, 95% will occur resource-poor countries. After decades neglect, a resurgence industrialized countries reinvigorated research efforts, now back on cutting edge science. epidemiologic approaches have provided novel insights into transmission dynamics helped refocus refine control practices. These studies highlighted old that there significant variability clinical consequences infection with MTB. near future, mycobacteria are likely be one deeply sequenced pathogenic groups. complete genomes two isolates available, sequencing M. bovis, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), smegmatis, paratuberculosis, leprae, marinum, ulcerans, avium somewhere contemplated completed. Although much known about environmental host factors contribute variability, little know bacteria’s role. Given recent advances, we poised explore nature genetic Here, review data supporting phenotypic genotypic diversity laboratory natural strains our understanding relationship them.