FIG 3

Restrained cytosolic M. leprae localization in armadillo skin biopsy specimens. (A and B) Live M. leprae bacteria were injected into the skin of the armadillo at the red circle indicated by the white arrow text box. The skin was observed 3 days after infection (A) and 21 days after infection (B). At infection sites, loss of pigmentation was detected. (C) TEM image of an infected armadillo skin biopsy specimen 3 days after infection with viable M. leprae. Immunogold labeling using anti-CWP was used to indicate M. leprae. (C′) Enlargement of the upper boxed area in panel C. M. leprae is enclosed by host membranes and is thus phagosomal. (C″) Enlargement of the lower boxed area in panel C. M. leprae was not enclosed by host membranes and was thus cytosolic. (C‴ and C⁗) Schematic representations of panels C′ and C″, with orange indicating M. leprae, the blue lines indicating host membranes, and green indicating mitochondrial membranes. The total numbers of bacteria detected were 47 on day 3 and 45 on day 21.