Electron microscopy of Mycobacterium leprae passed in laboratory animals

The ultrastructure of M. leprae was studied in the process of its intraplantar passage from man to mice (passages 1-8). Changes in the morphology of M. leprae, observed in the course of 3 passages, were established. From the phase of dormant forms (passage 1) the bacteria became adapted to the new host by passage 3, which was confirmed by the absence of differences in the ultrastructure of cells by passages 3-8. The possibilities of the phenotypic variability of M. leprae in the process of in vivo passage should be taken into consideration when they are used for the production of specific biopreparations, experimental modeling and the screening of antileprous preparations.