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Publication
Exploring the contribution of mycobacteria characteristics in the interaction with human macrophages
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem. The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates confounds treatment strategies. In Portugal, cases of MDR-TB are reported annually with increased incidence noted in Lisbon. The majority of these MDR-TB cases are due to closely-related mycobacteria known collectively as Lisboa family and Q1 cluster. The genetic determinants linked to drug resistance have been exhaustively studied resulting in the identification of family and cluster specific mutations. Nevertheless little is known about other factors involved in drug resistance development. Here, for the first time, we complemented the genetic analysis with the study of morphological and structural features of Lisboa family and Q1 cluster isolates by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This analysis allowed the identification of structural differences, such as cell envelope thickness, between Mtb clinical isolates, which are correlated with antibiotic resistance. The infection of human monocyte derived macrophages allowed us to document the relative selective advantage of Lisboa family isolates over other circulating Mtb isolates.
Description
Keywords
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Host-pathogen Interaction Drug-resistance TEM SEM MIRUS Cell Envelope Infecções Respiratórias
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Microsc Microanal. 2013 Oct;19(5):1159-69. doi: 10.1017/S1431927613001906. Epub 2013 Jun 24.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press / Microscopy Society of America