Mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that includes the species Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy. Research in mycobacteria focuses on understanding their physiology, pathogenesis, and drug resistance mechanisms. This research area is important for developing new treatments and vaccines for tuberculosis and leprosy, as well as for addressing the global challenges posed by drug-resistant strains of these bacteria. Additionally, mycobacteria are a model system for studying bacterial genetics, immunology, and host-pathogen interactions.