Alveolar epithelial cells likely resist invasion by M.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an intracellular pathogen that begins the disease process after a person inhales bacilli into the terminal bronchi and pulmonary alveoli ( 7). Consequently, alveolar macrophage function and cytokine production is impaired, which may enhance susceptibility to infectious diseases ( 6). Habitually smoking crack cocaine causes pulmonary damage (crack lung) ( Figure). Chest radiograph of a tuberculosis patient addicted to crack cocaine.
