The Tell-Tale Stain

Hansen’s Disease Factoids
Mycobacterium leprae multiplies very slowly (generation time 12.5
days) and is an obligate intracellular parasite.
It grows best at 27ºC to 33ºC, which correlates with its affecting
cooler areas of the body like the skin nerve segments close to the
skin, and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
M. leprae has never been cultured in artificial media but grows in the
tissues of the armadillo, which has a body temperature of 34ºC.
Leprosy is found in wild armadillos in the south central United States
and possibly in some primates
Most patients today are treated with dapsone, rifampin and
clofazimine. Also levofloxacin, minocycline and clarithromycin are
used in selectively
Chemotherapy rapidly renders the patient noninfectious.