01894nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260001700042653002000059653001100079653001200090653001300102653002200115100001200137245011800149300001000267490000700277050003200284520135800316022001401674       2007                            d  c2007 Apr-Sep10aEarly diagnosis10aHumans10aleprosy10aNeuritis10aPeripheral nerves1 aJob C K00aRecent histopathological studies in leprosy, with particular reference to early diagnosis and leprous neuropathy.  a75-830 v79  aInfolep Library - available3 a<p>In histopathological studies in leprosy, two important areas were identified in recently published work. They are early diagnosis and neuropathy. In histopathological examination, finding of M. leprae in tissues and/or granulomatous destruction of nerves are the two important findings to confirm the diagnosis. Immunopathological staining of M. leprae, PCR amplification of M. leprae antigen and S100 staining of Schwaann cells have considerably enhanced the sensitivity of histopathological diagnosis. If the two clinical findings such as hypopigmented patches with impaired sensation and thickened nerves accompanied by loss of sensation are the only ones that are taken into account for diagnosis, then a significant number of early patients will be missed. It is pointed out that biopsy examination of skin and nerves, when necessary, and skin-smear studies are indispensable diagnostic procedures. In the study of leprous neuropathy, there are several studies trying to decipher the entry of M. leprae into Schwann cells. The sharing of antigens between M. leprae and surface membrane of Schwann cells may be an important factor. However, there is much more to be learned in this area. In the control and prevention of neuritis, although corticosteroids administered along with multi-drug therapy was helpful, the benefit was not sustained.</p>  a0254-9395