title: Genomics: leprosy - a degenerative disease of the genome.
abstract: Analysis of the genome of the leprosy bacillus uncovers evidence of extensive deletion and inactivation of genes. Secluded in a specialised niche, it has discarded much of its genetic heritage, though retaining just enough to be a major human pathogen.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Flowers Building, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ, London, UK. d.young@ic.ac.uk
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D009154:Mutation; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000235:genetics*