Understanding Mycobacterium leprae: Behavior and Pathogenesis
Mycobacterium leprae
* Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacillus
* Obligate intracellular parasite
* Slow-growing organism (generation time of 12-14 days)
* Aerobic
* Non-motile
* Non-spore-forming
* Acid-fast (stains red with Ziehl-Neelsen stain)
Behavior in the host
* Enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes
* Phagocytized by macrophages
* Replicates within macrophages
* Destroys macrophages
* Spreads to other macrophages
* Can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
* Skin lesions
* Nerve damage
* Blindness
* Deformities
* Can be fatal if not treated
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