TABLE 3.
Comparison of several characteristics between M. tuberculosis and C. neoformans
| Characteristic | Value for:
|
|
|---|---|---|
| M. tuberculosis | C. neoformans | |
| Class | Mycobacterium | Fungus |
| Size | 2–4 μm by 0.2–0.6 μm | 4–6 μm (diameter) |
| Reservoir | Humans | Environment |
| Microbial surface | Polysaccharides and lipids | Polysaccharide capsule |
| Major surface antigen | LAM | GXMa |
| Mode of infection | Inhalation | Inhalation |
| Tissue reaction | Granuloma formation | Granuloma formation |
| Tissue cellular location | Intracellular and extracellular | Intracellular and extracellular |
| Protective cytokine response | Th1-associated cytokines | Th1-associated cytokines |
| Latency | Yes | Yes |
| Extrapulmonary dissemination | Yes | Yes |
| Role of antibody-mediated immunity | Uncertain | Uncertain |
a
GXM, glucuronoxylomannan.