Interactions between HIV and mycobacterial infections of macrophages mediated by changes in gene expression

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HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis are two of the worlds most important diseases. HIV-AIDS is the fourth leading killing disease worldwide and tuberculosis is the leading opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS particularly in the developing world. Both microbes infect the same cell type, the macrophage, which is widely distributed throughout the body, particularly in lymph nodes and lung. Recent studies in humans have shown that HIV and TB like organisms stimulate each others growth. This study uses the immense power of DNA microarrays, based on the identification of almost all genes by the human genome project, to decipher the interactions between the two microbes. By following up new leads indicated by the microarrays, the way in which the microbes manipulate the macrophage to enhance their own growth and that of the other can be eventually deciphered. This will provide new strategies for future interventions. New drugs are urgently needed for both microbes.