An EU team studied chemical structures of certain bacteria, and their role in disease. New understanding - of how phenolic glycolipids, and associated sugars help avoid human immune response - may lead to treatment options.
The term mycobacterial refers to a family of bacteria which is responsible for certain serious human diseases. The list includes leprosy and tuberculosis, against which vaccines and antibiotics have proven to be only partially effective.
Further information: Mycobacteria and infectious disease