02038nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002100054653001900075653002400094653001200118653001600130653002400146100001100170700001200181700001200193245007700205856008600282490000700368520141900375022001401794       2026                            d  c07/202610aHansen`s disease10aHistopathology10alepromatous leprosy10aleprosy10aOral biopsy10aOral Manifestations1 aRosa A1 aAlves M1 aDorta R00aOral Diagnosis of Lepromatous Leprosy in a Hyperendemic Region of Brazil  uhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13328585/pdf/12105_2026_Article_1945.pdf0 v203 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong></p>

<p>Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Oral manifestations are rare and typically occur in advanced cases of multibacillary lepromatous leprosy.</p>

<p><strong>CASE PRESENTATION: </strong></p>

<p>An 18-year-old male from Tocantins, a hyperendemic region of Brazil, presented with widespread mucocutaneous papulonodular lesions affecting the face and extremities, as well as nodular and ulcerative lesions of the hard and soft palates and the uvula. Histopathological analysis revealed a diffuse subepithelial inflammatory infiltrate predominantly consisting of foamy macrophages exhibiting Virchow-like characteristics. Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse CD68 positivity. Fite-Faraco and Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed numerous intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli. These findings, together with clinical features, established the diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong></p>

<p>Although oral manifestations of leprosy are uncommon, they may represent important diagnostic indicators of advanced multibacillary disease. Oral biopsy, combined with histopathological examination and special stains, remains essential for definitive diagnosis, particularly in hyperendemic regions where other granulomatous infectious diseases may coexist.</p>
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