Demonstration of leprosy bacilli in the eyes of experimentally infected armadillos: a comparison of five melanin bleaching methods
Jones, R.L.; Ryan, T.J.
Medical Laboratory Sciences 43(3): 211-214
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0308-3616 PMID: 3543588 Document Number: 282387
While leprosy bacilli are known to invade the eyes of experimentally infected armadillos, the presence of overlying melanin can hinder full interpretation of bacillary numbers and morphology. Five melanin bleaching methods have each been combined with a modified Fite-Faraco stain for leprosy bacilli. Only two of these successfully decolorised the melanin although none of the methods adversely affected the quality of staining of M. leprae. The successful bleaching methods clearly revealed many more bacilli within the choroid, ciliary body and iris.