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The genus Mycobacterium is usually divided into the fast-growing and slow-growing species, and among the latter group are several important pathogens of humans. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is responsible for the greatest number of deaths caused by bacterial infections worldwide. In addition, leprosy (caused by Mycobacterium leprae) afflicts millions of people, causing deformity and death. In recent years, the incidence of tuberculosis has risen in the Western world, and infection of immunocompromised patients by members of the Mycobacterium avium complex has become a serious problem. Many other mycobacterial species are able to cause infections, not only in humans, but also in animals (e.g., Mycobacterium bovis in cows and badgers) and birds (e.g., Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium avium). The study of the pathogenicity of these organisms is therefore of great importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]