Picture 39
This picture shows Mycobacterium leprae in ZN stain.
Mycobacterium leprae
Morphology: Aerobic acid-fast bacilli, stained poorly in Gram stain, optimum temperature for growth is lower than the body temperature (grows preferentially on skin and nerves)
Route of transmission: Prolonged contact with infected patients
Investigations: Acid-fast bacilli in skin smeaars, serologic tests
Diseases:
Spectrum of disease manifestations exists between tuberculoid and lepromatous extremes
Tuberculoid - Borderline tuberculoid - Borderline (dimorphous) - Borderline lepromatous - Lepromatous
Treatment:
Rifampin and dapsone and clofazimine