Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Bacterial motility is controlled by the flagellum, a helical, thread-like structure. As a molecular screw, the long, helical flagellar filament is crucial for adhesion, motility, and the uptake and release of proteins and DNA on the bacterial cell surface. Besides that, this structure can quickly form and disintegrate in response to environmental influences and can produce and withstand high forces that are many times greater than those that a host cell experiences. This article discusses the possibility of existence of flagella in mycobacteria, the basis for their virulence, and the method by which M. tuberculosis spreads.
Does M. tuberculosis possess a flagellum?
No, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a non-motile bacterium. It is a sizable rod-shaped bacterium. The bacteria typically measure 2 to 4 micrometres in length and 0.2 to 0.5 micrometres in width.
A significant portion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis‘ coding capacity is devoted to the creation of enzymes involved in the production and breakdown of lipids, setting it apart from other bacteria. This is due to the importance of the lipids, which make up more than 60% of the membrane of the M. tuberculosis cell. These primarily include mycolic acids. As a result, it is also known as acid-fact bacilli.
How does M. tuberculosis invade human cells?
Type IV pili of M. tuberculosis serve as a bonding agent that facilitates attachment to host cells and/or the development of bacterial communities. Pili and other adhesins represent significant therapeutic and diagnostic targets because of their crucial roles in the pathogenicity of bacteria. M. tuberculosis pili are potential targets for the development of therapeutics to attenuate host infection because of their function in host colonization. The discovery of these molecules has resulted in the creation of anti-tubercular medications.
It should be emphasized that anti-adhesion strategies, regardless of their drug susceptibility or resistance profile, may be effective in preventing infection and limiting the spread of M. tuberculosis strains.
How is tuberculosis spreading?
Usually, an active patient transmits tuberculosis through the air. TB germs are released into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat speaks, laughs, sings, or sneezes. Anyone who comes into immediate contact with someone who has TB disease runs the risk of catching the bacteria that causes it.
TB bacteria can live in your body without causing harm. It is referred to as a latent TB infection. This shows that the only TB germs in your body are those that are sleeping in the human body. These sleeping TB germs cannot spread to other people. However, if these microbes become active in your body and multiply, you will contract TB disease.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
