Osmosis video - Mycobacterium leprae

Mycobacterium leprae is a species of acid fast bacillus, obligate intracellular, aerobic bacteria, which primarily causes leprosy, a chronic and disfiguring skin disease. It is spread from person to person through contact with nasal secretions and skin lesions and can cause nerve damage and other organ damage if left untreated.

The diagnosis involves identifying Mycobacterium leprae bacteria in a skin biopsy with microscopy or PCR. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as dapsone or rifampin, and other drugs such as clofazimine or prednisone.