CHAPTER LVI 



MICROBE OF THE LEPRA PLAGUE 



THIS germ belongs in the Rod-shaped Type, Fig. 

 92. In length it takes 10,000, in thickness 50,000, 

 to span an inch. 



Infection by this germ takes place by inocula- 

 tion in this way only, probably. Through some 

 wound, or little abrasion of the skin, the germ en- 

 ters the circulation. Once in the blood, it grows 

 slowly. At length it divides into two parts. Each 

 part grows and divides as before. The process is 

 exceedingly slow. 



In multiplying, the germs produce the lepra 

 poison. Slowly the poison accumulates. In some 

 years it brings the onset of the disease. 



As the disease shows up, it may be in one of two 

 forms. Doubtless the two forms are caused by 

 two varieties of the same microbe one for each 

 form. In one form the poison affects chiefly the 

 nervous system. It has an anaesthetic effect on the 

 nerves, destroys their sensitiveness, action, life. 

 The muscles therefore become contorted, ill shapen. 

 Eruptions appear at the surface, with ulceration. 

 For many years a living death is the doom. 



In the other form, the poison affects principally 

 the skin. The germs work just beneath, and in, the 



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