Does deletion of the putative antioxidant noxR1 alter the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv?
The noxR1 gene locus in M. bovis BCG bestows ability to resist RNI generated in vitro. In M. tuberculosis H37Rv, however, noxR1 is either not involved in RNI resistance and virulence or is better compensated for by other mechanisms.
The distribution of maternal height in the population should be considered when the cut-off height for the 'at risk' designation is chosen. The implications of attaching an 'at risk' label is discussed and a call is made for regional specific and agreed risk criteria.