<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> 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>
where is mycobacterium leprae most likely to be found
where is mycobacterium leprae most likely to be found
warm tropical countries
warm tropical countries