Mycobacterium leprae preferentially involves the cooler superficial tissues of the body. The optimum temperature for its multiplication is approximately:

• A 25 degrees C
• B 30 to 33 degrees C ✓
• C 37 degrees C
• D 40 degrees C

Explanation

M. leprae multiplies best at 30 to 33 degrees C, which explains its predilection for skin, superficial peripheral nerves, nasal mucosa, anterior chamber of the eye and testis, all cooler than core body temperature. It has never been grown on bacteriological media; experimental propagation uses the mouse footpad and the nine-banded armadillo, whose low body temperature favours heavy bacillary yield.

Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.