The virulence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is related to:
A. the production of exotoxin
B. the production of endotoxin
C. its ability to induce delayed type hypersensitivity
D. its ability to escape killing by polymorphonuclear phagocytes
E. its ability to release histolytic enzymes
The correct answer is C. its ability to induce delayed type hypersensitivity.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) virulence is related to its ability to induce delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), a cell-mediated immune response that helps the bacteria to:
– Survive and persist within macrophages
– Evade immune elimination
– Disseminate to other parts of the body
DTH also contributes to the formation of granulomas, which are characteristic of tuberculosis infection.