ABSTRACT
1- Lepromas of murine leprosy were studied in ultra-thin sections with the electron microscope. 2- The cell wall, cytoplasm and nuclear elements of M. leprae murium are described. 3- Around each bacillus there is a distinct electron-transparent zone which distinguishes them from other cytoplasmic components of the leproma cells. 4- Foamy structures as are seen in human lepra cells were not observed.
Subject(s)
Lepromin/classification , Lepromin/adverse effects , Leprosy , Mycobacterium lepraemurium/classificationABSTRACT
1- Ultra-thin sections of lepromas taken from six cases of lepromatous leprosy were examined with the electron microscope. 2- Leprosy bacilli which exhibited a nuclear apparatus were found. The nuclear apparatus of M. leprae is composed of moderately electron-dense threads, about 9 mµ wide, which show a coil-like arrangement in the bacillary bodies. 3- The nuclear apparatus was not found in the bacilli of the retrogressive lesions of well-treated cases. 4- A hypothesis of the mechanism of the growth of foamy structures in the cytoplasm of lepra cells is offered.