title: Importance of the neural predilection of Mycobacterium leprae in leprosy.
abstract: It is suggested that continuous leakage of bacilli into the circulation from a primary focus of intraneural infection may simultaneously initiate bacillary dissemination and the suppression of cell-mediated immunity. Both these features are essential for the development of lepromatous leprosy. Nerve involvement in leprosy, previously thought of as a diagnostic feature of the disease and as a complication of therapy, may represent an essential phase in the cycle of infection and reinfection by Mycobacterium leprae.
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007918:Leprosy / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial