Mycobacterium leprae

Mycobacterium leprae , the slow-moving specialist, is responsible for leprosy, a disease feared for centuries but now well controlled. This bacterium is a microbial snail : it only divides once every two weeks ! The result? The first symptoms can take several years to appear after infection.

M. leprae is an obligate intracellular bacterium : it absolutely must hide and live inside human cells to survive and multiply, particularly in nerve cells and certain skin cells. This inconspicuous lifestyle allows it to evade the immune system, but causes nerve damage, loss of sensation, and sometimes severe deformities if left untreated.

It is transmitted mainly by respiratory microdroplets, but requires prolonged contact with an untreated infected person. Good news: it remains relatively uncontagious, and more than 90% of people are naturally immune!

Its lipid-rich wall makes it very resistant and difficult to study (it doesn't even grow in conventional laboratory culture!). Fortunately, a combined treatment of antibiotics now allows a complete cure, especially with early diagnosis.

Curious about this inconspicuous yet historic bacterium? Add Mycobacterium leprae to your collection with its science sticker now!

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PUN: You better le-prae for your life!