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Factors Influencing the in vitro Growth of Mycobacterium leprae: Effect of Sulfhydryl Compounds

In an attempt to determine the factors that influence the in vitro growth of Mycobacterium leprae in DH medium, the effects of sulfhydryl compounds were studied. Growth of M. leprae was monitored using two biochemical indicators. Only the sulfhydryl compounds, in reduced form, containing carboxyl group could support the growth of M. leprae. Higher cell yields were obtained when these sulfhydryl compounds were supplemented with dithiothreitol, presumable to keep the monothiols in reduced state during long incubation periods. Ascorbic acid could not replace dithiothreitol for this purpose. It is suggested that these carboxylated sulfhydryl compounds play a role in the metabolic activity of M. leprae along with maintaining low redox potential of the medium.