Effect of hydrocortisone on the course of leprosic infection in an experiment

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), accompanied by a violation of various parts of the immune system. In this regard, the development of an experimental model of leprosy may be based on the creation of an artificial defect of the macrophage link, in particular, using glucocorticoids. Aim: To develop and characterize a model of generalized leprosy infection in mice against the background of prolonged administration of hydrocortisone. Material and methods. To conduct the study, the following groups were formed: the control group – 50 mice infected by the Shepard method; the experimental group – 50 mice similarly infected against the background of hydrocortisone administration. Hydrocortisone was administered intramuscularly in a single daily dose of 25 mg/kg on the first day 2 hours before infection with M. leprae suspension, then in the form of four courses of 2 weeks at two-week intervals. Results. The administration of hydrocortisone led to an acceleration of the reproduction of mycobacteria in the paw pad compared with the control (without hydrocortisone). The generalization of leprosy infection is confirmed by the presence of lepromatous structures in the form of granulomas from macrophages with a high content of M. leprae in liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys. Conclusion. This model allows us to study the properties of the pathogen and the mechanisms of pathogenesis of the disease, and to screen pharmacological drugs with potential anti-leprosy activity in the future.