Animal models of tuberculosis for vaccine development

Animal models for testing different vaccine candidates have been developed since a long time for studing tuberculosis. Mice, guinea pigs and rabbits are animals most frequently used. Each model has its own merits for studing human tuberculosis, and none completely mimics the human disease. Different animal models are being used depending upon the availability of the space, trained manpower as well as other resources. Efforts should continue to develop a vaccine which can replace/outperform the presently available vaccine BCG.