ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Leprosy
;
Lepromatous
;
Axonal Bacillation
;
Schwann Cells
;
Electron Microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary M. leprae bacilli in nerves of 3 patients with lepromatous leprosy were found in the axoplasm of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers. Axonal bacillation occurred in as much as 2% of myelinated axons. Bacilli within Schwann cells were a more common finding in lepromatous leprosy that intra-axonal bacilli. Intra-axonal bacillation probably represents a late stage phenomenon in lepromatous leprosy. Intra-axonal bacilli may contribute to the dissemination of leprosy by migration of bacilli within the axon, and may contribute directly to nerve fiber destruction.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00687235
