Cord factor as an Invisibility Cloak? A Hypothesis for Asymptomatic TB Persistence

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) has long been known to be found in grossly normal tissues even in people with active lesions and granulomas in other parts of the body. RL Hunter et al. recently published a report indicating that post-primary TB begins as an asymptomatic infection that slowly progresses, accumulating materials for a massive necrotizing reaction which results in cavitation. This paper explores the possible roles of trehalose 6,6 ’ dimycolate (TDM) or cord factor in the ability of MTB to persist in such lesions without producing inflammation.
Source: Tuberculosis - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research