In a recent study, researchers at the University of California, Davis, have identified a gene that helps tuberculosis (TB) bacteria to persist in the body for long periods of time, even in the absence of treatment. This gene, called Rv1733c, is able to turn on dormant TB bacteria in the body, allowing them to remain in a state of low-level infection without causing any symptoms. This could explain why some people who have been infected with TB are able to remain asymptomatic for years, even though they may not be receiving treatment. The researchers believe that understanding this gene could help to develop more effective treatments for TB, and could potentially lead to new preventative strategies against the disease.

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source: Phys.org