Recent developments in mycobacterial research

Tuberculosis remains a major health problem in the world, which is compound ed further by the alarmingly high rate of M. tuberculosis infections in AID S patients, Thus, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of t he mycobacterium to develop new drugs. The extraordinary recent development s in mycobacterial genetic research, particularly in genomics will greatly facilitate this goat. The knowledge of the entire genome sequence of M. tub erculosis will help in designing new chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic interventions, This review highlights recent developments in genomics, myc obacterial genetics, novel Vaccine strategies, and our understanding of tub erculous dormancy. Curr Opin Infect Dis 12:415-424. (C) 1999 Lippincott Wil liams & Wilkins.