A HISTOPATHLOGICAL STUDY OF LEPROSY ON SKIN AND PERIPHERAL NERVES WITH CLINICAL CORRELATION

Abstract

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, was once a major health threat but has become less deadly due to advances in treatment. Despite this progress, leprosy remains a significant issue in tropical regions, particularly in India, where it continues to affect many people each year. The disease varies in severity and is classified into different types based on symptoms, immune response and histopathology. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to limited studies and resources, particularly in India. This study was conducted to address the gap in histopathological research on leprosy, aiming to improve early diagnosis, enhance treatment strategies, and reduce leprosy-related disability.

Aim: To study the histopathological classification of Leprosy in a tertiary care hospital (ASRAM Hospital, Eluru) and to clinically correlate and analyse the distribution of the Leprosy cases in various aspects.

Materials and methods: This was a hospital based retrospective study of 40 clinically diagnosed cases of leprosy. The reports of samples stained by H&E stain were analysed to classify the disease and compared with clinical parameters presented by the patients.

Results: Out of 40 cases studied, both male and female has equal predominance. Majority of the cases 27.5% belonged to the age group 31 – 40 years. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy was the most common 27.5%, in this study. About 45% of the cases had lesions all over the body.

Conclusion: Histopathology is the gold standard technique used to diagnose and classify leprosy.