The acid-fast bacilli obtained from a leproma of an armadillo previously infected with Mycobacterium leprae were identified to be M. leprae by the mouse footpad technique as well as pyridine extraction method. During the course of cell culture, the leproma was found to have been contaminated with Mycobacterium scrofulaceum.

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Surgical reconstruction in the paralyzed hand
1) Low ulnar nerve palsy: The extensor digiti quinti proprius muscle is transferred to combat the loss of PIP extension of the small and ring fingers.
2) Clawed fingers due to low median and ulnar nerve paralysis are corrected by the extensor many tailed graft or extensor to flexor many tailed graft of Brand, or by a modification of Bunnell's method. For the reconstruction of opposition of the thumb, Riordan's, Tsuge's, or Brand's method are used. When these methods cannot be used, the extensor carpi radialis longus, the pronator teres and the extensor digiti quinti proprius may be used as the motor. The flexion deformity of the IP joint or the swan neck deformity of the thumb are corrected by splitting the flexor pollicis longus tendon and attaching one end to the volar side of the proximal phalanx or turning it dorsally to suture with the extensor pollicis longus tendon. Occasionally an IP arthrodesis is performed. The pulley is usually made as a loop on the periphery of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. The abductor digiti quinti may also be utilized as the pulley.
3) High median and ulnar nerve paralysis.
a) The Brachioradialis is transferred to the flexor pollicis longus and the extensor carpi radialis longus to the flexors digitorum profundus of the index through little fingers.
b) The clawed fingers are corrected by tenodesis of the flexor digitorun sublimis of the middle finger.
c) For reconstruction of opposition of the thumb, the extensor digiti quinti proprius is routed around to the ulnar side of the wrist and sutured to the extensor pollicis longus tendon. In cases in which only the flexor pollicis longus is paralyzed, the Brachioradialis or extensor carpi radialis longus may be transferred after correction of the clawed fingers and reconstruction of opposition.
4) High palsy of the radial nerve plus low palsy of the madian and ulnar nerve: First operation: The pronator teres is transferred to the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis tendon. The flexor carpi radialis tendon is brought to the dorsum through the interosseous space, and sutured to the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis tendon. Second operation: The clawed fingers are corrected by a modifica- tion of Bunnell's method. Third operation: The thumb opposition is reconstructed. The Riordan's method may also be used for the simple high radial nerve palsy.
5) In a simple low paralysis of the radial nerve, the extensor carpi radialis longus is transferred to the extensor pollicis longus and the extensor digitorum communis tendon. In the simple paralysis of the extensor pollicis longus, the extensor digiti quinti proprius is transferred. Restoration of opposition of the thumb is performed as necessary as a second operation.
6) High median, ulnar and radial nerve paralysis : Flexor tenodesis is performed utilizing the flexor tendons of all fingers.
7) Occasionally, intrinsic muscles are spared, but all flexors of the fingers are paralyzed. For this type, the brachioradial is transferred to the flexor pollicis longus and the extensor carpi radialis longus to the flexor digitorum prof undus. In addition to these basic tendon transfers, arthrodesis and tenodesis may be used as necessary.

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