Mycobacterium tuberculosis:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a slow-growing, acid-fast, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the Mycobacteriaceae family. It is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other organs. The bacterium has a unique, lipid-rich cell wall containing mycolic acids, which contributes to its resistance to desiccation and many common disinfectants. M. tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplets and can persist in a latent state within the host for years.

**Diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis:**
Tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis commonly presents as pulmonary TB, characterized by a persistent cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Extrapulmonary TB can affect the lymph nodes, bones, central nervous system, genitourinary tract, and more. Latent TB infection may progress to active disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS. TB remains a major global health concern and is among the leading causes of infectious disease-related deaths worldwide.

Detection and Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis:
Diagnosis of TB includes clinical evaluation and a range of laboratory tests. Microscopic examination using acid-fast staining (e.g., Ziehl-Neelsen) can detect mycobacteria in sputum samples. Culture remains the gold standard but is time-consuming. Molecular methods such as PCR and GeneXpert provide rapid and specific detection of M. tuberculosis and drug resistance markers. Serological tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), like those offered here, can detect immune responses to TB antigens and are useful in certain research and surveillance contexts. Accurate diagnosis is critical for initiating appropriate treatment and curbing transmission.