Abstract
The authors have confirmed the multiplication of M. leprae in the foot-pads of mice, hamsters and rats. Subsequent to the progressive infection of M. lepraemurium in the foot-pads of mice, hamsters, rats and chipmunks, it seemed to be reasonable to examine whether M leprae would grown in the foot-pads of chipmunks.
The experimental methods of foot-pad inoculation and assessment of bacterial growth were similar to those already published by ourselves. The chipmunks used were of ages from 5 to 9 weeks. Three isolates of M. leprae were referred to: one was a homogenate of leproma tissue, and the others were mouse passage material. Portions of the same inoculum suspensions were also inoculated into the foot-pads of mice. A part of the suspension used was heated to 100°C for 30 minutes to kill the bacilli. In the chipmunks receiving this heated bacilli, there was no evidence of growth in the foot-pads. In Table I, the results of two mouse passages of M. leprae indicates that these two inoculates of different sizes progressed. Both strains rose to almost the same "ceiling", and the fresh strain rose to a plateau level of 1.0×105 at 25 weeks after the inoculation. However, the bacillary counts of the chipmunks were less than those of the mice. In addition, in the chipmunks receiving M. lepraemurium, nodular swelling was observed on the footpads.
It may be concluded from the results that a successful transmission of M. leprae was apparent.
