Globi in leprosy consist of –
**Core Concept**
Leprosy, caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium leprae*, is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. The disease presents in various forms, including tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy, characterized by distinct clinical and histopathological features.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Globi, also known as lepra bacilli, are the intracellular bacteria that cause leprosy. They are found within the macrophages and histiocytes of the affected tissues, particularly in the skin and peripheral nerves. The presence of globi is a key diagnostic feature of lepromatous leprosy, which is characterized by a high bacterial load and a poor cellular immune response. The globi are typically seen as small, oval or round inclusions within the cytoplasm of infected cells, often surrounded by a clear halo.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because globi are not a feature of tuberculoid leprosy, which is characterized by a strong cellular immune response and a low bacterial load.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because leprosy bacilli are not found in the bloodstream, but rather within the tissues and cells of the affected organs.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because lepra bacilli are not a type of fungal infection, but rather a type of bacterial infection.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In lepromatous leprosy, the presence of globi within macrophages and histiocytes is a hallmark feature, and their number and distribution can be used to differentiate this form of leprosy from other types.
**Correct Answer: C. Leprosy bacilli.**