Latent tuberculosis: models, mechanisms, and novel prospects for eradication.
Latent tuberculosis (TB) infects one-third of the world. We present evidence for the existence of a latent state of TB in humans, cite new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and identify several models that attempt to mimic the latent state. Persistent infection in mice and in vitro systems of microaerophilic and/or anaerobic growth and nutrient starvation have been the most productive models in yielding insights into the host and mycobacterial pathways involved in the latent state. These pathways may serve as targets for better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of latent TB in man.
Riska
Paul F
PF
Departments of Medicine and Anatomy and Cell Biology, State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. riska@att.net
Carleton
Stephen
S
D000818:Animals; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D003470:Culture Media; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005798:Genes, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009154:Mutation; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012107:Research Design; D013997:Time Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D003470:Culture Media; D007538:Isoniazid