An institution-based observational study to identify sensitive histopathological parameters in leprosy

Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 12

Abstract

Background: Spectral concept of leprosy has evolved from the histopathology of leprosy skin lesions. Objective: To identify sensitive histopathological markers of leprosy, to enhance the specificity of clinical diagnosis of leprosy, and to continue research and training in leprosy in postelimination era. Material and Methods: This study was carried out in a state government referral center for leprosy from April 2009 to March 2010. Paraffin sections of biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl–Neelsen, and Fite stains, examined, and classified histopathologically according to Ridley–Jopling scale. All new cases of leprosy diagnosed based on presence of at least two of the three cardinal features of leprosy were included. Released from treatment cases, partially treated cases, and those with lepra reactions were not included in this study. Result: Fifty-nine skin biopsies of newly diagnosed untreated leprosy cases over a period of 1 year were included. Of the total 59 patients, the distribution of various types of leprosy is as follows: polar tuberculoid (TTp) leprosy, 18.33% ( n = 11); borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy, 28.33% ( n = 17); mid-borderline leprosy, 6.66% ( n = 4); borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy, 30% ( n = 18); polar lepromatous leprosy, 5%( n = 3); histoid leprosy, 5% ( n = 3); indeterminate leprosy, 5% ( n = 3). Of the 11 patients with TTp leprosy, 81.8% ( n = 9) showed mature epithelioid cell granuloma; of the 17 patients with BT leprosy, 94.11% ( n = 16) showed immature epithelioid cell granuloma. Of the 18 patients with BL leprosy, 83.33% ( n = 16) showed macrophage granuloma. Of the 28 patients on tuberculoid pole, 82.16% ( n = 31) showed lymphocyte predominant infiltrate. Of the 32 patients on lepromatous pole, 84.37% showed macrophage predominant infiltrate. Wide Fite staining was positive in 14.28% ( n = 4) on tuberculoid pole and in 87.5% ( n = 28) on lepromatous pole. Conclusion: Histopathology remains the only practical and viable tool for diagnosis of specific subtype of leprosy. Mature epithelioid granuloma is the most sensitive indicator for tuberculoid leprosy, and grenz zone is the most sensitive indicator of BL leprosy. Diffuse infiltration of the dermis except for narrow subepidermal zone is the most sensitive indicator of lepromatous leprosy.

Authors and Affiliations

Amit S Mistry, Santoshdev P Rathod, Pooja Agarwal

Keywords

Related Articles

A cross sectional study to determine the menarcheal age of adolescent bania girls from Punjab

Background: Menarcheal age is the age at which menstruation begins. Menarcheal age is regarded as a sensitive indicator of physical, biological, and psychological environment. Objective: The objective of this study was t...

Oral tuberculosis diagnosed from exfoliative cytology – two case reports

Oral lesions of tuberculosis though uncommon, are seen in both the primary and secondary stages of the disease. Primary oral tuberculosis is very rare and may present a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. This articl...

A study on overweight and obesity among schoolgoing adolescent girls in a district of Northern India

Background: Among emerging public health problems globally, obesity remains a major cause associated with number of cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: Thus, the aim of present research work is to study the factors asso...

Assessment of nutritional status among elderly population in a rural area of West Bengal, India

Background: Geriatric population is a potentially vulnerable group for malnutrition as per 2002 census of the World Health Organization. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrit...

A study about perceptions, attitude, and knowledge among men toward vasectomy in Bangalore rural population

Background: The National Family Welfare Program was launched in India in the year 1952 . Although a range of contraceptive measures are provided by the Government at free of cost, women-oriented contraceptive measur...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP117511
  • DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2015.10072015355
  • Views 74
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Amit S Mistry, Santoshdev P Rathod, Pooja Agarwal (2015). An institution-based observational study to identify sensitive histopathological parameters in leprosy. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 4(12), 1720-1725. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-117511