Detailed observation of the distribution of acid-fast bacilli in the various parts of the healthy mouse is important as a measure for obtaining knowledge on the route of invasion of the organism into the animal and by the summation of the findings in numerous investigations, it may become possible to clarify the mechanism of infection of the murine leprosy bacillus under natural conditions.
In relation to the above, the distributuion of acid-fast bacilli following administration of DDS and INH and bacillary distribution in animals other than the mouse were also examined.
The acid-fast bacilli were collected by the Dharmendra's method using chloroform and ether. The skin was depilated and washed, the organs were cleansed well to eliminate all bacteria which may be adhering to the surface. The bacteria count was made by the formula given below.
×quantity of bacterial suspension No. of organisms per 1 loop quantity per loop (0.002 ml) x=No. of samples
The specimens were prepared by smearing one loopful of bacterial suspension on a glass slide, covering with phenol gelatin water and staining with Ziehl-Neelsen stain.
The results are shown in the table. As may be seen, a considerable number of bacilli was present in the skin and foot pad of the mouse and in the organs, a somewhat larger number was found in those organs connected with the outside. There was no pronounced differnce according to the site of the skin. No difference in bacterial count was found between the 6-months DDS and INH treated mice and the untreated control.
It is notewarthy that acid-fast bacilli were isolated from the foot pad of the guinea pig, rabbit and cat and from the skin nerve of the monkey. Studies must be carried out in the properties of these organisms in the future
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