Special Issue on Molecular evolution, epidemiology and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.
Résumé
Editorial from Guest Editors: The recent years witnessed an impressive breakthrough in epidemiological and evolutionary studies of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and other mycobacterial species. This development was promoted by the implementation and wide use of new generation approaches such as whole-genome sequencing and microarrays. Based on the generated knowledge, theories and hypotheses on evolution, population biology, and epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) and its agent have been revisited. Regional and global scale studies have been greatly aided by continuing implementation of new generation molecular markers, high-throughput technologies and integral approach to the understanding host-pathogen interaction at the individual and population levels in short and long time-spans. New hypotheses have been proposed on the origin and early evolution of M. tuberculosis complex and its progenitor species in early hominids and subsequent co-evolution/co-adaptation with modern humans. Use of large-scale sequencing data and comparative genomics permitted to re-evaluate the assumption of a comparatively low level of sequence variation in clinical M. tuberculosis complex isolates with very limited influence of the pathobiology. Monitoring and timely reporting of circulating M. tuberculosis complex clones are essential in anti-TB strategies and comprehensive and/or representative databases are critically needed. Use of new algorithms and bioinformatics approaches is necessary for adequate management, analysis and correct interpretation of the large datasets accumulated in the previous years through collaborative efforts of many laboratories. This special issue includes both review articles and original research papers that explore different aspects of molecular epidemiology of human tuberculosis and evolutionary pathways of M. tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous pathogenic mycobacteria. A wide array of the important and diverse topics of basic and applied research ranging from classical animal models to the most recent sophisticated algorithms for data analysis are covered. They include, in particular: global and regional epidemiology of tuberculosis; co-evolution of Homo sapiens and M. tuberculosis; virulence factors, drug resistance, fitness of phylogenetic lineages of the M. tuberculosis complex; new markers and technological innovations for high-throughput analysis of mycobacteria; new algorithms for treatment of molecular typing data; global and local databases of M. tuberculosis; evolution of pathogenic mycobacteria. The research teams that have contributed represent different world regions, all continents and in many cases they include multinational consortia thus highlighting the vital importance of cooperation and complementarities in modern research. We are most grateful to all authors who made their valuable contributions and sincerely hope that this impressive multidisciplinary volume will inspire our colleagues and us to new achievements in Mycobacterial research.