Mast Cells in Leprosy Patients with Reversal Reactions

Background: Reversal reaction (RR) is an acute reaction on chronic episode which often contributes to withdrawal of treatment and disability in leprosy patients. Previous study showed that mast cells in reactive tuberculoid lesions biopsy material had lower density than non reactive tuberculoid lesions. Granulomatous lesions in leprosy patients with high mast cells density were more likely to progress into severe reversal reaction. Objective: To examine mast cells level in reversal reaction patients (RR) and non-reactional leprosy patients (non-RR) Methods: Fiftysix leprosy patients consist of 28 with reversal reactions and 28 non-reactional leprosy were assessed for mast cells levels by immunohistochemistry staining. The mast cell numbers in both groups were analyzed using Independent T-test. Results: Mast cells were increased in the reversal group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mast cells level is associated with reversal reaction of leprosy.