Study on the micromorphology of Mycobacterium leprae.

The micromorphology of Mycobacterium leprae is described. After fixation with osmium tetroxide supplemented with calcium ions, the cell wall was seen to be composed of three layers; the cytoplasmic membrane exhibited the architecture of an elementary membrane. The mesosomes were best visualized after fixation with glutaraldehyde; they were sometimes in contact with the nuclear equivalent. Only one sort of phosphate body was found. The nucleoid was best visualized after fixation with osmium tetroxide.