i 
i 
1 
i 
Scanning electron micrograph oflucerifase reporter mycobacteriophages (LRMs ) adsorbed to the 
surface o/Mycobacterium bovis — BCG — cells. This is a model for the use of LRMs for rapid detec- 
tion o/ Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells in a human clinical sample. The phage particle, once 
adsorbed, injects its genome, into which the firefly luciferase gene has been inserted. Expression 
of the gene causes the mycobacterial cells to emit light, allowing sensitive and rapid detection of 
M. tuberculosis cells and assessment of their drug- susceptibility patterns. 
Scanning photograph by Rupa Udani and Frank Macalusa in the laboratory of William Jacobs. 
I 
r 
i 
I 
! 
200 
I 
