A one year study (October 2016 To October 2017) of Leprosy Cases : Histopathology and Demonstration of Lepra Bacilli

Abstract

Introduction : The clinical manifestations of leprosy are too varied and diverse and can mimic variety of unrelated
diseases. In patients of leprosy the treatment plan differs depending on histopathological subtype and bacillary
load.This study aims to decide the incidence of various histopathological subtypes of leprosy with their
histopathological subtyping &findings of modified FiteFaraco staining to demonstrate Lepra bacilli.
Materials and Methods : The present study was conducted at Department of Pathology, P.D.U Medical College,
Rajkot, Gujarat, for the period of 1 years from October 2016 to October 2017.Skin biopsies from all patients
clinically suspected as leprosy were studied to confirm the diagnosis,to classify histopathologically, and to know
bacillary load by FiteFaraco staining. The histopathological features and FiteFaraco stain findings were then
correlated.
Results : Out of 139 Biopsies from suspected cases of leprosy,122 were confirmed as leprosy on
histopathology.Peak incidence was in 21- 30 years of age group, while M: F ratio was 2.05:1.Maximum
number[34.4%]of cases were of lepromatous leprosy (LL).
Conclusion : Leprosy is still prevalent in the region of study, Lepromatous Leprosy being the commonest. Proper
histopathological diagnosis with subtyping and demonstration of lepra bacilli on tissue sections are very important
in clinical management of all leprosy cases.