The experimental inoculation with Mycobacterium leprae in the congenitally asplenic mouse.

we have previously observed that neonatal or adult splenectomy has no significant effect on the multiplication of Mycobacterium leprae in mice. Additionally, creating abnormal reaction to hind feet with a mixed infection with M. leprae and Corynebacterium kuscheri or by mixing oil (adjuvant such as Drakeol No. 6, liquid paraffin, or vegetable oil) with M. leprae caused either no growth or reduced multiplication of M. leprae in mice, which was different from the case of M. lepraemurium (6-10) Congenitally asplenic mice which are referred to the "Dh" gene for dominant hemimelia, were described in 1959 by Searle(1). The homozygous mouse (Dh/Dh) did not survive beyond 4 days of life due to severe visceral anomalies, and the heterozygous mouse (Dh/+), besides lacking spleen was found to have abnormal hind limbs(1). In this report, descriptions are made as to whether or not a congenitally asplenic mouse is a suitable model for the study of leprosy.