The mycobacteriology milestones - Journeying to the new millennium

A historic overview of the 20th-century diagnostic mycobacteriology laboratory clearly attests to an evolution technology from one bordering on primitive art to one based on sophisticated science. The milestones achieved during the last two decades reflect a renaissance of renewed interest in mycobacteriology. Fueled by the resurgence of tuberculosis, the industry was motivated to develop innovative diagnostic technologies, particularly at the molecular level, targeting the illusive goal of rapid turnaround time of test results. Striking advances have been made, but formidable challenges still thwart the delivery of real-time laboratory data that directly affects patient outcome. A paradigm highlighting the roles of clinician and laboratory professional as protagonists in tuberculosis diagnosis is presented.