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. 2021 Jun;27(6):1758-1760.
doi: 10.3201/eid2706.200748.

Fecal Excretion of Mycobacterium leprae, Burkina Faso

Anselme Millogo, Ahmed Loukil, Coralie L'Ollivier, Diakourga Arthur Djibougou, Sylvain Godreuil, Michel Drancourt

Fecal Excretion of Mycobacterium leprae, Burkina Faso

Anselme Millogo et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Mycobacterium leprae was detected by optical microscopy, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and molecular detection in feces collected for the diagnosis of Entamoeba coli enteritis in a leprosy patient in Burkina Faso. This observation raises questions about the role of fecal excretion of M. leprae in the natural history and diagnosis of leprosy.

Keywords: Burkina Faso; DDD; FISH; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium leprae; bacteria; bacterial infections; fecal excretion; leprosy; stool specimens; tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Optical microscopy observation of Mycobacterium leprae in the stool specimens of a leprosy patient in Burkina Faso. A) Ziehl-Neelsen staining; B) fluorescence in situ hybridization. No mycobacteria were observed inside the Entamoeba coli cysts (C). Scale bars represent 10 (A), 20 (B), and 20 (C) microns.
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References

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