Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most prevalent infectious pathogen in the world, largely due to its unique interactions with the human immune system. Even in a normal host, a frequent outcome of infection with M. tuberculosis is failure to completely eradicate the organisms, despite the development of cell-mediated immunity. Viable organisms persist in a state in which they do not progressively replicate, leading to latent infection, which carries a risk of breakdown into active (reactivation) tuberculosis at some point later in life. Key features of the immune response against mycobacteria are reviewed here, and potential mechanisms by which the organisms may subvert these host defenses are discussed. Despite the multicellular nature of the host response to infecting mycobacteria, the organisms cannot be eradicated and contribute to the ongoing worldwide epidemic with tuberculosis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
