Survival of Mycobacterium leprae in mononuclear phagocytes: a possible role of complement system.

Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, is an obligate intracellular pathogen that is ingested primarily by the host mononuclear cells. Upon ingestion, it is able to reside and multiply within these microbicidal cells. The reason for survival of these organisms in such cells is supposed to be their failure in induction of oxidation burst. In the present communication, we have proposed that most probably complement mediated entry of M. leprae into the monocytes does not result in induction of oxidative burst in the monocytes. As a result thereof these organisms are not killed rather they might grow in such phagocytes.