The incubation period of<unk>  can range between 9 months and 20 years. It replicates intracellularly inside histiocytes and nerve cells and has two forms. One form is "tuberculoid," which induces a cell-mediated response that limits its growth. Through this form,<unk>  multiplies at the site of entry, usually the skin, invading and colonizing Schwann cells. The microbe then induces T-helper lymphocytes, epithelioid cells, and giant cell infiltration of the skin, causing infected individuals to exhibit large flattened patches with raised and elevated red edges on their skin. These patches have dry, pale, hairless centers, accompanied by a loss of sensation on the skin. The loss of sensation may develop as a result of invasion of the peripheral sensory nerves. The macule at the cutaneous site of entry and the loss of pain sensation are key clinical indications that an individual has a tuberculoid form of leprosy. Nine-Banded-Armadillo, which is a known carrier of leprosy The second form of leprosy is the "lepromatous" form, in which the microbes proliferate within the macrophages at the site of entry. They also grow within the epithelial tissues of the face and ear lobes. The suppressor T-cells that are induced are numerous, but the epithelioid and giant cells are rare or absent. With cell-mediated immunity impaired, large numbers of<unk>  appear in the macrophages and the infected patients develop papules at the entry site, marked by a folding of the skin. Gradual destruction of cutaneous nerves lead to what is referred to as "classic lion face." Extensive penetration of this microbe may lead to severe body damage; for example the loss of bones, fingers, and toes. Range of area that Nine-Banded-Armadillos inhabit
Mycobacterium leprae
Mycobacterium lepromatosis
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Epidermophyton floccosum
Trichophyton rubrum
Mycobacterium orygis
Trichobacteriosis axillaris
Madurella mycetomatis