Transepidermal elimination of Mycobacterium leprae in histoid leprosy: a case report suggesting possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2011 Jan-Feb;77(1):59-61. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.74984.

Abstract

An Indian patient of histoid leprosy presenting de novo, having numerous solid staining bacilli inside the intact epidermis and eliminating bacilli from the intact and the eroded epidermis, is reported. The diagnosis, suggested by the clinical features, was confirmed histopathologically. This unusual report indicates possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Epidermis / microbiology
  • Epidermis / pathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • India
  • Leprostatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous / drug therapy
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous / pathology*
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous / transmission*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium leprae / isolation & purification*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Leprostatic Agents