Demyelination in Leprosy

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that has a predilection for peripheral nerves, especially Schwann cells (SCs). Leprosy medications may only eradicate the bacteria without preventing or recovering peripheral nerve damage. Early nerve damage detection is necessary. The expression of Krox-20 in Schwann cells will be examined immunohistochemically, and the level of neuron growth factor (NGF), neuregulin 1 (NRG1), protein 0 (P0), and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) will be examined in the blood plasmas. A significant decrease was noticed in Krox-20 and NGF, NRG1, P0, and PMP22 level (p < 0.05) in disability degree 1 compared to degree 0. Studies proved that markers have shown promising results; Krox-20, NGF, NRG1, P0, and PMP22 could be useful diagnostic tools for early peripheral nerve damage detection in leprosy.