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Causative Agent
The disease is caused by Micobacterium
Leprae discovered in 1873 by Armauer Hansen in Norway. It is acid fast bacilli
and on staining by Ziehl- Neelsen method the organism appears rod shaped
and deep pink in colour. M. Leprae have revealed five properties which are
of epidemiological importance
1. Man is the known host
2. Optimal growth of the organism occurs
at 30°C. This explains its predilection for the skin and upper respective
track
3. Stability : It remains viable outside
the body for several days particularly under humid conditions
4. Slow growth : The generation time of
the organism is 12 to 14 days. Making it the slowest growing bacterial pathogen.
This explains the prolonged incubation period and the protracted course of
the illness
5. Antigen city : It shares common antigenic
determinants with many other micobacteria
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