Cholesterol Is Not an Essential Source of Nutrition for Mycobacterium tuberculosis during Infection

Rv1106c (hsd; 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) is required by Mycobacterium tuberculosis for growth on cholesterol as a sole carbon source, whereas Rv3409c is not. Mutation of Rv1106c does not reduce Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in infected macrophages or guinea pigs. We conclude that cholesterol is not required as a nutritional source during infection.