RESUMEN
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, it can also invade deeper tissues and organs, including mucous membranes, lymph nodes, testes, eyes, and internal organs. Severe cases can result in deformities and disabilities. We encountered the case of a 39-year-old male with unexplained fever, headache and rash. The patient's lesions were taken for histopathological examination and slit skin smear analysis. Further, the patient was detected of Mycobacterium leprae (M.leprae) nucleic acid sequences in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma, and M.leprae gene targets in the skin lesion tissue and blood. The patient was eventually diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy and type II leprosy reaction. These results suggest the possibility of bacteremia in patients with leprosy to some extent, and observation implies the potential invasion of CSF by M.leprae or its genetic material.
Asunto(s)
Fiebre de Origen Desconocido , Mycobacterium leprae , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Mycobacterium leprae/genética , Fiebre de Origen Desconocido/etiología , Fiebre de Origen Desconocido/diagnóstico , Lepra/diagnóstico , Lepra/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Bacteriemia/diagnóstico , Piel/patología , Piel/microbiología , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnósticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), an intracellular bacillus that systematically invades the peripheral nerves. Diagnosing leprosy neuropathy is still a defying skill, and late diagnosis and treatment are still a reality. Based on the biological characteristics of M. leprae, particularly its preference for invading the Schwann cells localized at the coldest areas of human body, we hypothesized that these areas have focal demyelination that may escape detection through standard nerve conduction studies (NCSs) protocols. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with confirmed multibacillary leprosy and 14 controls were accessed. A multisegmented NCS protocol (MP) was performed, targeting short segments through the coldest areas, to identify focal areas of slowed conduction velocity. The effectiveness of this multisegmented protocol was compared to the standard protocol (SP) to detect abnormalities. RESULTS: All leprosy patients presented an abnormal study with the MP, contrasting to 19 with the SP. The most frequent NCS pattern was an asymmetric neuropathy with focal slowing of conduction velocity, found in 23 out of 25 leprosy patients. Significant differences favoring the proposed method were observed when comparing the MP with the SP. Notably, the MP increased the sensitivity to detect abnormalities by 122%, 133%, and 257% for the median, peroneal, and tibial nerves, respectively. MP also increases sensitivity to detect focal abnormalities in the ulnar nerve. INTERPRETATION: The MP protocol significantly increases the sensitivity of NCSs to detect neurophysiological abnormalities in leprosy neuropathy.
Asunto(s)
Conducción Nerviosa , Humanos , Conducción Nerviosa/fisiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/fisiopatología , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/diagnóstico , Lepra/fisiopatología , Lepra/complicaciones , Adulto Joven , Nervios Periféricos/fisiopatología , Lepra Multibacilar/fisiopatología , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Leprosy diagnosis is difficult due to the clinical similarity with other infectious diseases, and laboratory tests presents problems related to sensitivity and/or specificity. In this study, we used bioinformatics to assess Mycobacterium leprae proteins and formulated a chimeric protein that was tested as a diagnostic marker for the disease. The amino acid sequences from ML0008, ML0126, ML0308, ML1057, ML2028, ML2038, ML2498 proteins were evaluated, and the B-cell epitopes QASVAYPATSYADFRAHNHWWNGP, SLQRSISPNSYNTARVDP and QLLGQTADVAGAAKSGPVQPMGDRGSVSPVGQ were considered M. leprae-specific and used to construct the gene encoding the recombinant antigen. The gene was constructed, the recombinant protein was expressed, purified and tested in ELISA using 252 sera, which contained samples from multibacillary (MB) or paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patients, from their household contacts and healthy individuals, as well as from patients with Chagas disease, visceral and tegumentary leishmaniases (VL/TL), malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for MB and PB samples compared to sera from both healthy subjects and individuals with cross-reactive diseases were 100%. The Se value for MB and PB samples compared to sera from household contacts was 100%, but Sp was 64%. In conclusion, data suggest that this protein could be considered in future studies for leprosy diagnosis.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos Bacterianos , Proteínas Bacterianas , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Epítopos de Linfocito B , Lepra Multibacilar , Lepra Paucibacilar , Mycobacterium leprae , Pruebas Serológicas , Mycobacterium leprae/inmunología , Mycobacterium leprae/genética , Humanos , Epítopos de Linfocito B/inmunología , Pruebas Serológicas/métodos , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/métodos , Antígenos Bacterianos/inmunología , Antígenos Bacterianos/genética , Lepra Paucibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Paucibacilar/inmunología , Proteínas Bacterianas/inmunología , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/inmunología , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Femenino , Masculino , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Proteínas Recombinantes/inmunología , Proteínas Recombinantes/genéticaRESUMEN
A hanseníase é uma doença infecciosa, transmissível, de caráter crônico, com potencial grau de incapacidade, que ainda persiste como problema de saúde pública no Brasil. A demora e a falta de conhecimento técnico para realizar o diagnóstico resulta em inúmeros prejuízos aos pacientes acometidos pela doença, sendo que, a prevenção das incapacidades está relacionada diretamente com o diagnóstico precoce da doença. Com a finalidade de evitar a negligência diagnóstica e o desenvolvimento de incapacidades físicas, ressaltamos a importância do conhecimento técnico sobre o diagnóstico e o manejo da hanseníase por profissionais da saúde em qualquer nível de atenção à saúde ou especialidade.
Hansen is an infectious disease, transmissible, of a chronic nature, with serious potential for disability, which still persists as a public health problem in Brazil. The delay and the lack of technical knowledge to carry out the diagnosis with numerous prejudices to the patients affected by the disease, since the prevention of disabilities is directly related to the early diagnosis of the disease. In order to avoid diagnostic negligence and the development of physical disabilities, we highlight the importance of technical knowledge about the diagnosis and management of training by health professionals at any level of health care or special care.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Atención Primaria de Salud , Prevención de Enfermedades , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico Precoz , Educación Continua , Enfermedades Desatendidas , Lepra/complicaciones , Lepra/prevención & controlRESUMEN
A hanseníase é uma doença crônica e infectocontagiosa causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). Apresenta alta infectividade e baixa patogenicidade. O estudo teve como objetivo relatar a identificação de um paciente com hanseníase multibacilar através do teste sorológico (LID) em ação de busca ativa. Paciente do sexo masculino, 54 anos, residente em Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brasil, proveniente da busca ativa do Núcleo de Pesquisa em Hansenologia (NuPqHans/UFJF-GV), apresentou teste sorológico positivo para proteínas recombinantes do bacilo (ML0405/ML2331). Encaminhado ao Centro de Referência de Doenças Endêmicas e Programas Especiais (CREDENPES), queixando-se de lesões na pele e nódulos pelo corpo, relatou histórico de traumas na cabeça, tonturas ocasionais, dormência nos pés e sangramento nasal. O paciente apresentou resultados de baciloscopia e biopsia positivos, concluindo o diagnóstico de hanseníase multibacilar, recebendo poliquimioterapia indicada. Após três meses de tratamento observou-se redução na área/diâmetro das lesões do abdômen, indicando a eficácia do tratamento. O resultado positivo do teste sorológico, permitiu a identificação de um paciente multibacilar, até então sem diagnóstico de hanseníase. Ademais, a utilização do teste sorológico LID nas atividades de busca ativa em áreas endêmicas para realização do diagnóstico precoce pode contribuir para o conceito zero hanseníase estipulado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. (AU).
Leprosy is a chronic and infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). It has high infectivity and low pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to report the identification of a patient with multibacillary leprosy using the serological test (LID) during an active search. A 54-year-old male patient, living in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from the active search of the Leprosy Research Center (NuPqHans/UFJF-GV), presented a positive serological test for recombinant bacillus proteins (ML0405/ML2331). He was referred to the Reference Center for Endemic Diseases and Special Programs (CREDENPES), complaining of skin lesions and nodules all over his body, and reported a history of head trauma, occasional dizziness, numbness in his feet, and nosebleeds. The patient presented positive bacilloscopy and biopsy results, concluding the diagnosis of multibacillary leprosy and receiving the indicated multidrug therapy. After three months of treatment, there was a reduction in the area/diameter of the lesions on the abdomen, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment. The positive result of the serological test (LID) allowed the identification of a multibacillary patient, who until then had not been diagnosed with leprosy. In addition, the use of the LID serological test in active search activities in endemic areas for early diagnosis can contribute to the zero-leprosy concept stipulated by the World Health Organization. (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnósticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In endemic regions of several countries, the prevalence of leprosy has not come down to the level of elimination. On the contrary, new cases are being detected in large numbers. Clinically, it is frequently noted that despite completion of multibacillary multidrug therapy for 12 months, the lesions remain active, especially in cases with high bacteriological indices. AIM: The present study focused on finding out the viable number of Mycobacterium leprae during the 12-month regimen of multibacillary multidrug therapy, at six and 12 months intervals and, attempting to determine their role in disease transmission. METHODS: Seventy eight cases of multibacillary leprosy cases were recruited from leprosy patients registered at The Leprosy Mission hospitals at Shahdara (Delhi), Naini (Uttar Pradesh) and Champa (Chhattisgarh), respectively. Slit skin smears were collected from these patients which were transported to the laboratory for further processing. Ribonucleic acid was extracted by TRIzol method. Total Ribonucleic acid was used for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (two-step reactions). A standard sample with a known copy number was run along with unknown samples for a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were further assessed for their clinical and molecular parameters during 6th month and 12th month of therapy. RESULTS: All 78 new cases showed the presence of a viable load of bacilli at the time of recruitment, but we were able to follow up only on 36 of these patients for one year. Among these, using three different genes, 20/36 for esxA, 22/36 for hsp18 and 24/36 for 16S rRNA cases showed viability of M. leprae at the time of completion of 12 months of multidrug therapy treatment. All these positive patients were histopathologically active and had bacillary indexes ranging between 3+ and 4+. Patients with a high copy number of the Mycobacterium leprae gene, even after completion of treatment as per WHO recommended fixed-dose multidrug therapy, indicated the presence of live bacilli. LIMITATIONS: Follow up for one year was difficult, especially in Delhi because of the migratory nature of the population. Patients who defaulted for scheduled sampling were not included in the study. CONCLUSION: The presence of a viable load of bacilli even after completion of therapy may be one of the reasons for relapse and continued transmission of leprosy in the community.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar , Lepra , Humanos , Leprostáticos/uso terapéutico , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Quimioterapia Combinada , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Multibacilar/epidemiología , Mycobacterium leprae/genética , Lepra/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
Histoid leprosy is an expression of multibacillary leprosy with unique histopathology and characteristic bacterial morphology. It is characterized by the occurrence of asymptomatic firm, dome-shaped succulent papulonodules on apparently normal skin, or subcutaneous tissues. There are very few reports of the detection of Mycobacterium leprae in the epidermis in leprosy, which may have a possible role in transmission. We report five de novo cases of histoid leprosy with transepidermal elimination.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar , Mycobacterium leprae , Humanos , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Mycobacterium leprae/genéticaRESUMEN
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection predominantly involving the skin and peripheral nervous system. The condition is caused by infection with the obligate intracellular bacillus Mycobacterium leprae and the clinical phenotype is largely dependent on the host immune response to the organism. Transmission is suspected to occur via respiratory secretions with infection usually requiring prolonged periods of contact. The incubation period is highly variable with disease manifestations appearing up to several decades after the initial exposure. The disease can be broadly divided into 'paucibacillary' and 'multibacillary', and treatment with multidrug therapy including dapsone, clofazimine and rifampicin offers high rates of cure. Here, we report of a case of leprosy with a suspected incubation period in excess of 50 years following occupational exposure in rural Australia. To our knowledge, this incubation period is the longest reported to date.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar , Lepra , Quimioterapia Combinada , Humanos , Periodo de Incubación de Enfermedades Infecciosas , Leprostáticos/uso terapéutico , Lepra/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/tratamiento farmacológico , Mycobacterium lepraeRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to characterize the clinical profile of childhood leprosy presenting at tertiary leprosy care hospitals in the states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh in India, and to determine the possible risk factors associated with disabilities at presentation. METHODS: Subjects were children with newly diagnosed leprosy registered for treatment at tertiary Leprosy Mission Hospitals in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Purulia (West Bengal) and Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh), India, between June and December 2019. Demographic and leprosy characteristics were collected at the time of diagnosis. Parents/guardians were interviewed on reasons for delay in presenting at the hospital. Associations between various factors and delay in diagnosis were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 84 children, the mean (SD) age was 10 (3) years with a range of 4-14 years. There were more boys (58%) and most children were currently in school (93%), resident in rural areas (90%) and belonged to a lower socioeconomic status (68%). More children were diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy (69%), one-third of them being skin smear positive for Mycobacterium leprae. On presentation, 17% had deformity (5% grade 1 deformity and 12% grade 2), 29% had nerve involvement and skin lesions were spread across the body in half of the children. Mean (SD) duration of delay was 10.5 (9.8) months. Delayed presentation was more in boys (43% vs. 17%; P = 0.01), those without a history of migration for work compared to those who had a history of migration (40% vs. 9%; P = 0.008) and in those children who were from a poor economic status compared with those that came from a better economic status (44% vs. 7%; P = 0.001) Limitations: Because our study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals, the findings are not representative of the situation in the field. Furthermore, a comparison group of newly diagnosed adult leprosy patients with disability could have been included in the study. CONCLUSION: Childhood leprosy continues to occur in endemic pockets in India and a substantial number present with skin smear positivity and deformity. Guardians of these children cite many reasons for the delay in presentation.
Asunto(s)
Diagnóstico Tardío , Lepra , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Diagnóstico Tardío/estadística & datos numéricos , Personas con Discapacidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , India , Lepra/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Masculino , Mycobacterium leprae/aislamiento & purificación , Factores de Riesgo , Piel/microbiología , Factores Socioeconómicos , Centros de Atención TerciariaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae detection and the associated factors among social contacts in the school environment of multibacillary cases living in a hyperendemic municipality of the state of Mato Grosso. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 236 social contacts of multibacillary leprosy from public schools and residents in Cuiabá (Mato Grosso) in 2018. The sources of information were interviews and nasal swab tests for molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction - PCR. For the prevalence ratio estimates, crude and adjusted analyses were performed using robust Poisson regression and their respective confidence intervals (95% CI). The ArcGIS 9.1 software was used for the geographic distribution analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of detection of M. leprae in social contacts was 14%. A total of 63.6% of the schools surveyed had 5.1% to 50% of the social contacts of leprosy with positive PCR. The analysis of the geographic distribution in the neighborhoods showed a high prevalence of infection, being higher than 50% in some localities. The highest proportion of positive results occurred in the northern region of the city and from a precarious socioeconomic class. CONCLUSION: The results showed a high prevalence of detection of M. leprae among social contacts in areas with poor socioeconomic conditions. In these regions, there is a greater risk of infection and of getting sick.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar , Mycobacterium leprae , Brasil/epidemiología , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/epidemiología , Instituciones AcadémicasRESUMEN
Abstract Histoid leprosy is a rare form of multibacillary leprosy, characterized by the presence of papules, plaques, or nodules whose appearance is keloid-like, skin colored, or erythematous. Fusiform cells are the main histopathological feature. Due to the fact that it can simulate other dermatological lesions, for example, dermatofibroma and neurofibroma, it constitutes a diagnostic challenge for clinicians and pathologists. It is a bacilliferous form of leprosy, and it plays an important role in disease transmission. A case of a patient with histoid leprosy living in the Northeast Region of Brazil is reported.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Lepra Lepromatosa/diagnóstico , Lepra Lepromatosa/patología , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/patología , Lepra Multibacilar/tratamiento farmacológico , Queloide/patología , Lepra/patología , Neoplasias , Piel/patologíaAsunto(s)
Antituberculosos/uso terapéutico , Leprostáticos/uso terapéutico , Lepra Dimorfa/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Mataderos , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Clofazimina/uso terapéutico , Dapsona/uso terapéutico , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Isoniazida/uso terapéutico , Tuberculosis Latente/complicaciones , Tuberculosis Latente/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Dimorfa/complicaciones , Lepra Dimorfa/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Dimorfa/patología , Lepra Multibacilar/complicaciones , Lepra Multibacilar/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Multibacilar/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prednisolona/uso terapéutico , Rifampin/uso terapéutico , Tromboflebitis/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Histoid leprosy is a rare form of multibacillary leprosy, characterized by the presence of papules, plaques, or nodules whose appearance is keloid-like, skin colored, or erythematous. Fusiform cells are the main histopathological feature. Due to the fact that it can simulate other dermatological lesions, for example, dermatofibroma and neurofibroma, it constitutes a diagnostic challenge for clinicians and pathologists. It is a bacilliferous form of leprosy, and it plays an important role in disease transmission. A case of a patient with histoid leprosy living in the Northeast Region of Brazil is reported.
Asunto(s)
Queloide , Lepra Lepromatosa , Lepra Multibacilar , Lepra , Neoplasias , Humanos , Queloide/patología , Lepra/patología , Lepra Lepromatosa/diagnóstico , Lepra Lepromatosa/patología , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/tratamiento farmacológico , Lepra Multibacilar/patología , Piel/patologíaRESUMEN
This systematic review (number register: CRD42018112736) was performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of leprosy diagnostic methods. The search was conducted in 3 electronic databases in January 2021. Studies evaluating leprosy diagnostic tests were included according the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate the sensibility and specificity of the groups. We included 36 studies. The test sensitivity for paucibacillary patients was 0.31 (95%CI: 0.29-0.33) and the specificity was 0.92 (95%CI: 0.92-0.93). In multibacillary patients, the sensitivity was 0.78 (95%CI: 0.77-0.80) and specificity was 0.92 (95%CI: 0.92-0.93). Comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the different techniques included, it should be noted that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test presented the highest sensitivity for paucibacillary patients, while the western blot technique showed the highest sensitivity for multibacillary patients. However, further studies are needed to optimise the diagnosis of leprosy, requiring research with a larger number of samples and more uniform protocols.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Paucibacilar/diagnóstico , Western Blotting/métodos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of leprosy cases reported in the municipality of Parnaíba, State of Piauí. This was a cross-sectional study of leprosy cases, living in Parnaíba, State of Piauí, reported to the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), from 2007 to 2016. There were 582 cases of leprosy with hyperendemic detection in the general population in 2008, 2009 and 2016; and under < 15 years of age in 2008, 2014 and 2016, with a predominance of females (53.1%), brown (62.2%), aged 20-64 years (74.7%), complete and incomplete elementary school (56.4%), housewives (20.7%), living in the urban area (87.1%), reported by primary care (69.2%). The most frequent clinical and therapeutic findings were: multibacillary operational classification (53.8%); clinical forms: undetermined (30.6%) and virchowian (24.3%); single lesion (34.8%); no affected nerves (86.7%); degree of disability zero (70.6%); bacilloscopy not performed (26.7%); therapeutic regimen 12 doses (53.7%) and no reaction (70.8%). Regarding the mode of input, predominated new case (88.8%); mode of output, cure (87.9%) and detection mode: spontaneous demand (45.8%). Out of 2,106 registered contacts, 60.6% were examined. Leprosy is endemic to Parnaíba, State of Piauí. It is noteworthy that the hyperendemic detection rates occurred during years when there was intensification of active search for contacts and cases in the population.
Asunto(s)
Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Lepra/diagnóstico , Lepra/epidemiología , Atención Primaria de Salud , Epidemiología/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios Transversales/métodos , Enfermedades Endémicas/estadística & datos numéricos , Quimioterapia Combinada/instrumentación , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Vigilancia en Salud Pública/métodosRESUMEN
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein of innate immunity, with a central role in the activation of the complement system through the lectin pathway. This protein is encoded by MBL2 gene, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms located at exon 1, such as rs5030737 C>T (D variant), rs1800450 G>A (B variant), and rs1800451 G>A (C variant), may change the MBL structure and the serum concentration. MBL2 polymorphisms have been associated with several infectious diseases, including leprosy. Host immune response has a major impact on the clinical manifestation of leprosy since only a few individuals infected with Mycobacterium leprae will develop the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of MBL2 exon 1 polymorphisms (rs5030737, rs1800450, and rs1800451) on the MBL levels and leprosy immunopathogenesis. This case-control study included 350 leprosy patients from Southern Brazil, with 279 classified as multibacillary (MB) and 71 as paucibacillary (PB). The control group consisted of 350 non-consanguineous individuals, who were not diagnosed with leprosy or other infectious and autoimmune diseases. Genotyping was performed by PCR-sequence specific primers, and the MBL serum concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. MBL2 exon 1 polymorphisms were analyzed individually and grouped as genotypes, considering "A" as the wild allele and "O" as the presence of at least one polymorphism (D, B, or C variants). Differences were not observed in the distribution of genotypic and allelic frequencies between leprosy per se patients and controls. However, in a haplotypic analysis, the TGG haplotype presented a risk for development of leprosy per se in women when compared to the wild haplotype (CGG) (OR = 2.69). Comparing patients with MB and PB, in a multivariate analysis, the B variant was associated with the susceptibility of developing the MB form of leprosy (OR = 2.55). Besides that, the CAG haplotype showed an increased susceptibility to develop MB leprosy in women compared to men. It was observed that the A/O genotype in women was associated with a susceptibility to leprosy development per se (OR = 1.66) and progression to MB leprosy (OR = 3.13). In addition, the MBL serum concentrations were in accordance with the genotyping analysis. In summary, our data suggest that MBL2 exon 1 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk to leprosy development and progression.
Asunto(s)
Lepra Multibacilar/genética , Lectina de Unión a Manosa/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Exones , Femenino , Estudios de Asociación Genética , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Humanos , Lepra Multibacilar/diagnóstico , Lepra Multibacilar/microbiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fenotipo , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Factores SexualesRESUMEN
Background: Mycobacterium leprae is a noncultivable mycobacteria, and diagnosis of the disease is based on its clinical and histopathological characteristics and finding the bacteria in skin scrapings and in biopsies taken from the patients. The aim of this study was to shed light on the clinical classification (based on the number of skin lesions) used extensively in the field where patients classified as paucibacillary (PB) were positive on skin smears and histopathology leading to treatment failure and drug resistance. Methods: In this study, we enrolled untreated 62 leprosy patients with 1-5 skin lesions and did a detailed bacterio-histopathological analysis by slit-skin smears (SSSs) and histopathology. Results: Of 62 patients analyzed, 15 patients came out to be multibacillary (MB) and 47 were PB by SSS and histopathology. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that the WHO classification of leprosy based on the number of lesions seems to be inappropriate as it considers a number of MB lesions as PB only, thus misleading the treatment strategies. Hence, it is essential that a comprehensive clinicobacteriological assessment of leprosy cases should be done to ensure the appropriate bacillary status and guiding the appropriate treatment strategy.