[Histonet] Control block for leprosy

[RSRICHMOND <@t> aol.com]

Pat Willis asked: >>Is there anybody out there with a known supply of leprosy 
control blocks? Preferably UK based. We'd appreciate it if you could contact 
us with details.<<

I don't know why Mycobacterium leprae controls are so hard to get. There's an 
animal model for Hansen's disease - when the American nine banded armadillo 
(Dasypus novemcinctus) gets leprosy - naturally or experimentally - their 
livers turn into practically a pure culture of the bug. Why aren't blocks of 
leprous armadillo liver made available as controls?

(You do need a lepra bacilli control if that's what is to be stained for - 
its acid fast properties are different from those of Myco tuberculosis. - Does 
anyone know if MAI has the same staining properties as Myco tuberculosis?)

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN and Gastonia NC