Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and human coadaptation: a two-way street complicating host susceptibility to TB

For centuries, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) has infected numerous populations, both human and non-human, causing symptomatic tuberculosis (TB) in some hosts. Research investigating the MTBC and how it has evolved with its host over time is sparse and has not resulted in many significant findings. There are even fewer studies investigating adaptation of the human host susceptibility to TB and these have largely focused on genome-wide association and candidate gene association studies. However, results emanating from these association studies are rarely replicated and appear to be population specific. It is, therefore, necessary to relook at the approach taken to investigate the relationship between the MTBC and the human host. Understanding that the evolution of the pathogen is coupled to the evolution of the host might be the missing link needed to effectively investigate their relationship. We hypothesize that this knowledge will bolster future efforts in combating the disease.

Automated summary

Research on the relationship between MTBC and human host is limited, with focus on genetic association studies that have shown inconsistent results. There is a need to reconsider research methods and understand the coupled evolution of the pathogen and host as a possible key to resolving the issue.