Abstract
Summary
Duval's chromogenic acid-fast culture recovered from the tissues of human leprosy produced lesions in the rabbit that microscopically are identical to those of the human disease. The infection is progressive over a period of 6 to 8 months. It is significant that the causal microorganism steadily increases in number throughout this period.
The chromogenic acid-fast bacillus of Duval was recoverable from the experimental lesions as late as 8 months after the last inoculation. In vitro cultivation was more difficult in direct ratio to its residence in the host animal.
In the control animals (B. phlei and B. smegmatis) no gross or microscopic lesions were observed one month after the last injection. No culture was obtained or acid-fast bacilli observed in the tissues of the control animals which were sacrificed 3 months after the last injection.
The results of the experiments herein reported show that Duval's chromogenic acid-fast bacillus induces a chronic form of infection in the rabbit with characteristic tissue changes deep in the parenchyme of the various organs.
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