ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MYCOBACTERIAL SURFACES BY FREEZE-SUBSTITUTION

The global status of tuberculosis has recently received much public at tention, particularly in some developed countries that are now reporti ng an increase in cases after several years of decline. A number of fa ctors have contributed to the resurgence in tuberculosis and other myc obacterial infections, including homelessness, increased urban overcro wding among the poor, increased drug abuse and the AIDS epidemic. In a ddition, the intrinsic nature of mycobacterial impermeability to some antibiotics, and their ability to survive in host environments has bee n attributed to the unique chemistry and architecture of their walls. A better understanding of these surface-related properties could in tu rn lead to the design of more effective chemotherapeutic agents or pot ential vaccine candidates. Using freeze-substitution, we offer a revis ed perspective on mycobacterial wall design and discuss its significan ce.