<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Binomial name </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Mycobacterium leprae Hansen, 1874 </Td> </Tr> <P> Mycobacterium leprae, also known as Hansen's bacillus spirilly, mostly found in warm tropical countries, is a bacterium that causes leprosy (Hansen's disease). It is an intracellular, pleomorphic, acid - fast, pathogenic bacterium . M. leprae is an aerobic bacillus (rod - shaped) surrounded by the characteristic waxy coating unique to mycobacteria . In size and shape, it closely resembles Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Due to its thick waxy coating, M. leprae stains with a carbol fuchsin rather than with the traditional Gram stain . The culture takes several weeks to mature . </P> <P> Optical microscopy shows M. leprae in clumps, rounded masses, or in groups of bacilli side by side, and ranging from 1--8 μm in length and 0.2--0.5 μm in diameter . </P>

Where is mycobacterium leprae most likely to be found