SECRETED ACID PHOSPHATASE (SAPM) IS PRESENT ONLY IN PATHOGENIC MYCOBACTERIA AND EXPRESSED SELECTIVELY AT ACIDIC PH

摘要

The invention relates to an isolated DNA construct, comprising a mycobacterium secreted acid phosphatase promoter or promoter fragment which is inducible by low pH. This invention further relates to diagnostic methods and vaccines for treatment or prophylaxis of pathogenic mycobacterial disease or infection. This invention also provides for methods of screening for compounds capable of modulating the activity, production or secretion of a mycobacterium secreted acid phosphatase.