On comparing the abundance of the mtp64 mRNA transcript in sputum samples from 6 Mtb and 5 Maf 2 infected patients, who had not received any TB treatment, the mpt64 transcript was significantly less abundant in the sputa of Maf 2-infected patients, compared to sputa of Mtb-infected patients (fold change = 2.52, p = 0.006). Here, MAF is linked to tuberculosis.