The Intravenous Model of Murine Tuberculosis is Less Pathogenic Than the Aerogenic Model Owing to a More Rapid Induction of Systemic Immunity

The detection of mRNA in the murine model of tuberculosis for key cytokines involved in protective immunity in the lung tissues revealed a much faster emergence of the interferon (IFN)-gamma response in the intravenous route than in the aerosol route of inoculation. This slower response in the lungs was associated with a stronger inflammatory response, resulting in large granulomatous structures and eventual tissue damage.