Mycobacterium leprae induces Schwann cell proliferation and migration in a denervated milieu following intracutaneous excision axotomy in nine-banded armadillos

Nine–banded armadillos develop peripheral neuropathy after experimental Mycobacterium leprae infection that recapitulates human disease. We used an intracutaneous excision axotomy model to assess the effect of infection duration by M. leprae on axonal sprouting and Schwan cell density.