Mycobacterium tuberculosis
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(New page: '''Mycobacterium tuberculosis''' It is a pathogenic bacterial species in the genus Mycobacterium and the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis. First discovered in 1882 by Rober...) |
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It is a pathogenic bacterial species in the genus Mycobacterium and the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis. First discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch. | It is a pathogenic bacterial species in the genus Mycobacterium and the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis. First discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch. | ||
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Current revision
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
It is a pathogenic bacterial species in the genus Mycobacterium and the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis. First discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch.
| Kingdom | Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Actinobacteria |
| Order | Actinomycetales |
| Suborder | Corynebacterineae |
| Family | Mycobacteriaceae |
| Genus | Mycobacterium |
| Species | M. tuberculosis |
| Binomial | Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
Contents |
[edit] Surface Characteristics
The glucans present on cell surface are a heterogeneous group of glucose polymers, consisting of a backbone of β(1-->3)-linked β-D-glucopyranosyl units with β(1-->6)-linked side chains of varying distribution and length. M. tuberculosis has an unusual, waxy coating on the cell surface (primarily mycolic acid), which makes the cells impervious to Gram staining so acid-fast detection techniques are used instead.
[edit] Transmission
M. tuberculosis is taken up by alveolar macrophages, but they are unable to digest the bacterium. Its cell wall prevents the fusion of the phagosome with a lysosome. Specifically, M. tuberculosis blocks the bridging molecule, early endosomal autoantigen 1 (EEA1); however, this blockade does not prevent fusion of vesicles filled with nutrients. Consequently, the bacteria multiply unchecked within the macrophage. The bacteria also carried the UreC gene, which prevents acidification of the phagosome.[5] The bacteria also evade macrophage-killing by neutralizing reactive nitrogen intermediates.
[edit] Pathogenic Activity
It is the responsible for TB (tuberculosis) disease. The initial symptoms, including loss of appetite, fever, productive cough and loss of energy or loss of weight or night sweats are not specific and might be easily attributed to another condition. It may result in tuberculous pleuritis, a condition that may cause symptoms such as chest pain, nonproductive cough and fever.
[edit] Virulence
Infection with M. tuberculosis can spread to other parts of the body, especially in patients with a weakened immune system. This condition is referred to as miliary tuberculosis and people contacting it may experience fever, weight loss, weakness and a poor appetite. In more rare cases, miliary tuberculosis can cause cough and difficulty breathing.
