There are more than 70 species of mycobacteria, rod-shaped bacteria with waxy outer coats that can be found throughout the world. Tuberculosis and leprosy (Hansen’s disease) are the best known mycobacterial diseases. People may also be infected by any of a group of mycobacterial species collectively called non-tuberculous mycobacteria. While tuberculosis and leprosy are most common in resource-limited countries, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections occur worldwide.
NIAID's Role in Mycobacterial Research
NIAID research on mycobacteria is leading to new or improved ways to diagnose, treat or prevent tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases.
NIAID-supported scientists are conducting research on:
- the biology of mycobacteria species that cause human disease
- how mycobacterial diseases develop in the body
- interactions between the human immune system and mycobacteria
- immunology of and host response to infections and disease
- epidemiology of mycobacterial diseases
NIAID researchers also:
- develop animal models that mimic human mycobacterial disease
- devise laboratory tests (assays) for such purposes as rapid diagnosis of infection
- create molecular, immunological, biochemical and genetic tools
- conduct clinical studies of new therapies and other interventions in adults and children, including those co-infected with other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.
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News
Sept. 24, 2009–NIAID Media Availability: Study Finds Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Lung Disease on the Rise in the United States
April 28, 2009–NIAID and Chinese Officials Sign Agreement to Foster TB Research in China’s Henan Province
March 24, 2009–Statement of Christine F. Sizemore, Ph.D., Barbara E. Laughon, Ph.D., and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., on World TB Day
All Mycobacterial Diseases News Releases
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