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A Clinical and Histopathological Correlation among Leprosy Patients (in this Post Elimination Era) Attending Tertiary Referral Centre

Abstract
Background: Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which chiefly affect skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy expresses itself in different clinicopathological forms depending upon underlying immunity of the host. Histopathology is considered gold standard for accurate diagnosis especially in early disease, however, clinicopathological correlation is a must for appropriate diagnosis and classification of disease that will in-turn affect the treatment and overall prognosis of the patient. The present study of clinicohistopathological correlation among leprosy patients in this post elimination era was undertaken.

Aims and objectives: To study the clinical and histopathological correlation among leprosy patients. Materials and Methods: Present study consists of 54 patients of newly diagnosed leprosy cases at Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology from November 2016 to October 2018. Skin punch biopsy and slit skin smear taken from patients. Histopathological examination by staining with H&E and Fite-Faraco stain for tissue AFB and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of SSS for presence of AFB.

Results: In this study, 35 cases (64.81%) showed clinicohistopathological concordance and 19 cases (35.19 %) were discordant according to Ridley-Jopling spectrum. Conclusion: Histology should be performed in all suspected patients of leprosy if feasible, for exact allocation of the patient across the spectrum for accurate treatment and to identify the vulnerable patients in borderline spectrum as they are prone for reactions, neuritis and thus deformities and it also aids in achieving terminal goal of leprosy elimination.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Thombare MM
Kote R
Gugle A
Pawar M
Kumavat S
LEP - KPS Team