Immunology of mycobacterial infections: with special reference to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Abstract

The interplay between mycobacteria and host determines the outcome of infection. After uptake of mycobacteria by macrophages, several possible scenarios may emerge; mycobacteria may be destroyed immediately or there is establishment of persistent infection. This review is focused around mycobacteria-host interactions with reference to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection and highlights protective mechanisms involved in order to design vaccines and other control strategies.