Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is the deadliest bacterial disease in the world; in addition, Mycobacterium leprae and over 250 species of nontuberculous mycobacteria are responsible for increasing global infection rates in people and animals – a substantial public health and agricultural concern.
Though most mycobacterial diseases are preventable and curable, they disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. Innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines would greatly reduce human suffering and the economic impact of infection.
The Mycobacteria Research Laboratories (MRL) is an internationally recognized research and training center within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology founded in 1986. The MRL is one of the largest research groups specifically charged with, and dedicated to, mycobacteria research in the world and is currently home to over 110 faculty and scientific staff.
Together, and in collaboration globally, mycobacteria researchers at Colorado State University are focused on the complex biology of pathogens and hosts, antibiotic resistance and mode of action, discovery of new drugs and diagnostics, vaccine development, and generation of novel models of disease
Mycobacterial Diseases Emeritus Faculty
Emeritus Professor
Emeritus University Distinguished Professor