Cultivation of M. leprae in cell-free, semi-synthetic media

Attempts to cultivate M. leprae in cell-free, semi-synthetic media of various forms with lowered oxidation-reduction potential after due consideration of the biological significance of the acid-fastness of mycobacteria, resulted in the growth of this organism to the extent of visible to the naked eye. Studies on the nutritional requirements at 30 degrees C, suggesting to have quite similar enzyme system as other bacterial species, if not quantitatively, but at least qualitatively. Successful cultivation enabled us to provide the in vitro drug sensitivity test method by which the most adequate drugs to be administered to the concerned leprosy patients could be selected based on the results. As the growth of this organism is still slow and poor at the present step of the studies, further studies are necessary on the medium compositions to promote the multiplication of this organism.