Answer to Question #193904 in Biology for Mhlanga Gracious

Question

n tabular form, compare the similarities and differences between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae in relation to morphology, transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment: 

Answer 1

Mycobacterium tuberculosis:

• morphology:  bacilli;
• transmission: through the air;
• pathogenesis: invades macrophages, affects lungs and local lymph nodes ;
• diagnosis: the Mantoux tuberculin skin, blood test, and a chest x-ray;
• treatment: a combination of antibiotics (i.e., isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide).

Mycobacterium leprae:

• morphology: bacilli;
• transmission: probably, through direct contact (not known exactly);
• pathogenesis: invades the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system, affects skin and nerves;
• diagnosis: a skin biopsy and a lepromin skin test;
• treatment: a combination of antibiotics (i.e., dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine).