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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
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Lepra bacilli are best cultured in
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The correct answer is  Footpad of mouse: lepra bacilli multiply in the footpad of mice kept at a low temperature (20 deg). This has become the standard procedure for experimental work with the bacillus. Following intradermal injection into the footpad of mice, a granuloma develops at the site in 1-6 months. If cell-mediated immunity is suppressed by thymectomy or the administration of an anti-lymphocyte serum, generalised infection is produced, simulating lepromatous leprosy. Ref: Textbook of microbiology; Ananthanarayan and paniker's; 10th edition; Pg: 372