GS III
Context: A group of researchers have found that armadillo livers grew substantially when infected with Mycobacterium leprae.
Bacteria of the chronic infectious disease reprogrammed certain cells into ‘stem-like cells’
Significance: Leprosy has long been associated with a life of ostracism. However, the bacteria causing this debilitating disease may offer some hope on the regenerative medicine horizon.
Leprosy: Also known as Hansen’s disease (HD), it is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
Infection can lead to damage to the nerves, respiratory tract, skin and eyes.
Though not very contagious, leprosy is spread by extensive contact between people and is cured with multidrug therapy.
Armadillos are mammals with their back, head, legs and tail covered in bony plates. They got the name from their unique look, which translated from Spanish means ‘little armoured one’.
