Mycobacterium leprae

Pathology

• etiologic agent responsible for leprosy (Hansen's disease)
• thrives particularly in peripheral Schwann cells & macrophages
• dystroglycan is a receptor for the entry of Mycobacterium leprae into peripheral nerve Schwann cells

Laboratory

• Mycobacterium leprae dapsone resistance
• Mycobacterium leprae fluoroquinolone resistance
• Mycobacterium leprae rifampin resistance
• also see Mycobacterium

Notes

• requires temperature < 37 C

More general terms

• Mycobacterium

Additional terms

• leprosy (Hansen's disease)