There are certain stem cells that protect tuberculosis bacteria from destruction by body researchers said in a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday.
That explains why tuberculous bacteria could lie dormant for decades all together.
What happens is master stem cells, produced by bone marrow make a barrier between the T-cells that are supposed to kill the bacteria, and the bacteria.
Proc Natl Acad Sci. Posted online December 6, 2010.