Regrowth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Populations Exposed to Antibiotic Combinations Is Due to the Presence of Isoniazid and Not Bacterial Growth Rate

Abstract

Modulation of the growth rate in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is key to its survival in the host, particularly with regard to its adaptation during chronic infection, when the growth rate is very slow. The resulting physiological changes influence the way in which this pathogen interacts with the host and responds to antibiotics. Therefore, it is important that we understand how the growth rate impacts antibiotic efficacy, particularly with respect to recovery/relapse.