Mycobacterium leprae was detected by optical microscopy, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and molecular detection in feces collected for the diagnosis of Entamoeba coli enteritis in a leprosy patient in Burkina Faso. This observation raises questions about the role of fecal excretion of M. leprae in the natural history and diagnosis of leprosy.
Keywords: Burkina Faso; DDD; FISH; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium leprae; bacteria; bacterial infections; fecal excretion; leprosy; stool specimens; tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.