Mycobacterial Disease: Old Problems, New Solutions

The genus Mycobacterium is the cause of a number of serious and widespread human and animal diseases that have proved notoriously difficult to eradicate from their hosts and from the community. Whilst most of the 60 or so species of mycobacteria are harmless, two species are responsible for the major human diseases; tuberculosis and leprosy. The epidemiology of mycobacterial diseases is well documented and treatment is available through a number of effective antimicrobial agents, yet negligent use of control measures has permitted human tuberculosis to become a global emergency and the cause of one in four preventable adult deaths, with the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacilli. In this symposium, distinguished