Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses
Published on: November 16, 2016
Susceptibility to mycobacterial infections due to interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 pathway defects
1National Institutes of Health, NIAID, 9000 Rockville Pike, 10/11N315 MSC 1892, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
A case of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)/interleukin-12 (IL-12) pathway defect is presented. Pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic test, and case management are reviewed. Clinical Pearls and Pitfalls include: (1) A high probability of a defect in the IFN-gamma/IL-12 cascade exists in patients with disseminated or recurrent infection due to poorly pathogenic mycobacteria or systemic infections caused by non-typhi Salmonella species that are persistent and recurrent despite antibiotic therapy. (2) Although less frequent, patients with impaired IFN-gamma/IL-12 mediated immunity are more susceptible to cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 8, herpes simplex virus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...