Leland Stanford Junior University

Marcel Behr

Gary K Schoolnik

Peter Small

Michael A Wilson

Gary Schoolnik

Specific genetic deletion are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in thegenome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particularisolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted fromorto attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

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Specific genetic deletion are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in thegenome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to M. tb. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular M. tb isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted fromorto attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Specific genetic deletions are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to . These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from or to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Molecular differences between species of the M. tuberculosis complex

Specific genetic deletions are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the,genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to,These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular,isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from,or,to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

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Montreal, Canada

Marcel Behr