Evolution of lymphocyte populations in armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) inoculated with M. leprae

In human leprosy patients there are changes in the percentages of T and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and there is a correlation with the clinical characteristics or manifestations of the disease. These phenomena still require clarification regarding the triggering mechanism involved that may lead to one or the other clinical entities. Much has yet to be learned about the intricacies of whether the changes in subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes are a causative factor or an effect attributable to the microorganism itself. The armadillo is an excellent animal model to study how Mycobacterium leprae spread, turning into an established infection. The application of modifications in percentages of the subpopulations of B and T lymphocytes in armadillos may well lead to extrapolation of the results obtained in this animal model in an attempt to be able to manipulate the course of the disease in humans. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in the percentages of rosette-forming and sIgM+ mononuclear cells during a full year in groups of armadillos: five randomly chosen animals formed the control group and 11 armadillos were inoculated with M. leprae obtained from a human leproma at the onset of the 12-month period of the study. Of the 11 randomly selected armadillos that were inoculated, only five developed an active and disseminated infection. The percentage of rosette-forming cells did not show statistically significant variations during the first 6 months of the study. However, at months 8 and 12 a significant increment in this parameter was observed (p < 0.05) in the animals with active infection. In regard to the variations in the numbers of sIgM+ cells, significant changes occurred in the armadillos with active infection at month 2. However, results returned to normal and no changes were seen at later times. No significant changes occurred in the group of animals inoculated but not developing active infection compared with the other groups. The results are considered sufficiently interesting to encourage further study on the cell-mediated immune system of the armadillo and the changes that occur during the development and dissemination of an inoculated infection with M. leprae. Since this mammal is of great value as an effective animal model in the experimental research of M. leprae, there is an urgent need to obtain, as quickly as possible, a thorough understanding of the cellular branch of its immune system and, thereby, be in a position to extrapolate immune modulation to benefit human leprosy patients.