Growth of Mycobacterium leprae in a redox system: III. Evidence of growth at low temperature (psychrophilia) and, further refinement of growth medium.

Considerable growth enhancement, largely as non-acid fast, slender and long rods has been seen when incubated at 10 degrees C. Concentration of some of the media constituents have been reduced that has improved the quantum of growth. A remarkable proneness to physical disintegration of the grown bacilli has been seen and its significance discussed. Also, the possible immunogenic advantage of non-AF M. leprae has been discussed. The question of identification is still not solved, and work is in progress.