What we can learn from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome sequencing projects.

A major milestone in tuberculosis research occurred in June 1998 with the report of the genomic sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The complete determination of the 4411529 base pairs of the M. tuberculosis genome opens avenues for new scientific opportunities in basic science and clinical research on tuberculosis. In this paper we will review the findings presented by the complete genome and discuss the impact that this sequence will have on the areas of comparative genomics, bacterial pathogenesis, and diagnostics development for tuberculosis. Indirect benefits of the complete genome sequence are anticipated in the areas of drug development and vaccine development as future discoveries in bacterial pathogenesis and immunology accrue.