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What is the most prevalent bacterial infection in the world?

- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis, MTB)

- Exists, active or dormant, in 1/3 of entire worlds

human population

MTB: A subclass of Gram(-) bugs with

high-fat outer membrane - not detected

by Gram stain

Cell wall distinct from Gram (+)/Gram(-)

- high in mycolic acid fatty lipids

Characteristics of mycobacteria (MTB and Leprosy):

- Slow growth (24 hr vs. 20 min double time)

- Susceptible to develop drug resistance

- Chronic disease (many years)

Mycobacteria are extremely difficult to treat

- Requires multi-drug (5) compound treatment