Characteristics and Evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drug-Resistance and Current Research Towards Ending the Global Tuberculosis Epidemic

Abstract

Tuberculosis disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infecting the lungs, where the bacteria interfere with the immune system in order to avoid eradication. Once inside the body, TB has the ability to exist in either a latent or active infection, with the latter presenting in a variety of respiratory symptoms. People who are immunocompromised or those that live in developing countries are most at risk for active TB. Currently, the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the only preventative measure against the disease, however it has done little to control the epidemic. A variety of techniques, such as the TB skin test, are used to diagnose a TB infection. Once diagnosed, a rigorous antibiotic regimen is necessary to treat the disease. Unfortunately, TB has evolved in such a way that has made certain strains resistant to current drug therapy, exacerbating the problem. There are a variety of new diagnosis and treatment options currently in development, such as more accurate diagnostic tests, new vaccines, and shorter treatment schedules. However, drastic measures must be taken in order to target drug-resistant TB and end the global TB epidemic.