Phenotype Definition for Resisters to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in the Literature-A Review and Recommendations

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide problem. Despite the high disease rate, not all who are infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) develop disease. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) specific T cell immune assays such as Quantiferon and Elispot, as well as a skin hypersensitivity test, known as a tuberculin skin test, are widely used to infer infection. These assays measure immune conversion in response to Mtb. Some individuals measure persistently negative to immune conversion, despite high and prolonged exposure to Mtb. Increasing interest into this phenotype has led to multiple publications describing various aspects of these responses. However, there is a lack of a unified resister definition. A universal definition will improve cross study data comparisons and assist with future study design and planning. We review the current literature describing this phenotype and make recommendations for future studies.

Automated summary

Despite high and prolonged exposure to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb), some individuals do not develop disease. Research interest into this phenotype is growing, but there is currently a lack of unified definition, which if established, could improve study comparisons and future study planning.