The author made electron-microscopic specimens from homogenates of the Human Leprosy Nodule (Leprom) which had been aseptically removed and observed electron-microscopically. The results are as follows:
(1) The size and shape of M. leprae under electron-microscopic observation are approximately identical with an optical view after strong staining (Fig. 5-22).
(2) Although different specimen making process from the case of optical microscope were adopted, identical images with old optical observation were gained as regards the arrangement of bacilli: M. leprae were placed alone, gathered irregularly, placed side by side like cigar bundles or gathered in round masses. These views were identical with optical observation (Fig. 5-22).
(3) Two types were found in M. leprae morphologically, one is a granular type and the other homogeneous. In granular type, the bacilli which have dense masses that appear like large polar bodies are predominant (Fig. 3 and 4, 5-22).
(4) Some bacilli have a belt-like structure covering almost equal to the width of bacilli. But the nature of this structure is still left unknown (Fig. 21 and 22).
(5) It was observed that in some bacilli there were small round bodies (150-200 mμ in diameter) like the flowers of chrysanthemum inside or outside the bacilli. These small bodies are being studied (Fig. 8).
This report was presented at the Conference of West District, Leprosy Society of Japan, Hiroshima, November 8, 1953.
抄録全体を表示