Immunity to Mycobacteria

This text describes present knowledge regarding the immune reponse to mycobacteria. The majority of the information discussed is based upon observations in animal models, principally the mouse, although some of the recent clinical experience is also reviewed. The response to M. tuberculosis, a menace to society now re-emerging, in the industrialized world, is reviewed in detail. In addition, various models of the T cell response based upon the observations of the author and his peers using the mouse model of infection are given. Sections also deal with M. avium, the major cause of bacterial disease in AIDS patients, and M. leprae, the causative agent of leprosy.