Figure 3. Commonly used TB model systems and their characteristics and utilization in TB imaging research.

In vitro granulomas, zebrafish, mice, rabbits, and nonhuman primates are the most common model systems used to recapitulate and study TB. Optical imaging in the zebrafish has been used to study the dynamics of granuloma formation. Mouse and rabbit models have been used to validate multiple imaging tools (PET/SPECT), some of which have been translated into the clinic. ¹⁸F-FDG PET has also been used extensively in nonhuman primate models. ^AAlthough nonhuman primates develop TB meningitis, the characterization of this model has not been reported.