Question

Mycobacterium leprae grow well in

• A. Cat
• B. Dog
• C. Armadillo
• D. Platypus

Hint:

Think of the animal used in leprosy research because of its low body temperature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

This question tests where Mycobacterium leprae, which cannot be cultured on lab media, can still be grown in large amounts.

1. Cat: Normal body temperature is too warm for this organism to multiply well.
2. Dog: Same problem, body temperature is too high for good growth.
3. Armadillo: Its naturally low body temperature and weak immune defence against this organism let it multiply freely through the animal's tissues, which is why armadillos are the standard animal source for M. leprae used in research.
4. Platypus: There is no such established role for this animal in leprosy microbiology.

The armadillo is the correct choice because its cool body temperature matches the temperature preference of M. leprae, the same reason this organism favours skin and nerves in humans.

Let's summarize:

• M. leprae cannot grow on artificial media, it needs a living host.
• Armadillos and the mouse foot pad are the two classic experimental sources because both are cool sites.

So Mycobacterium leprae grows well in the armadillo.