Analysis of histomorphological study in Hansen’s disease: A hospital based study done in rural population

Abstract

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae. It still continues to be a major public health problem in India. AIM: The study was aimed at analysing the histomorphological features of leprosy in skin biopsies and based on histological findings they were categorised according to Ridley-Joplings classification. Clinical correlation was also done wherever possible. Materials and methods: After adequate fixation of skin biopsies with 10% formalin, routine processing was done and tissue embedded in paraffin section of 5µ thickness and then stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Fite-Faraco stain, subsequently studied under microscope. Results: Total of 35 skin biopsies were studied, with the mean age of presentation ranging from 14-72 years, showing male predominance. Boderline tuberculoid (37.14%) was the most common type. Atrophic epidermis was seen only in 9 cases but Grenz zone was present in all 12 cases of Lepromatous leprosy. Epithelioid granuloma is the commonest finding in Boderline Tuberculoid type. Clinico histomorphological correlation was made in 23 cases and discoherence was found in remaining 12cases. Conclusion: Correlation of clinical and histopathological features along with bacteriological index plays a pivotal role for accurate typing and for prognostication. Clinicopathological concordance is highest in polar forms, and being least in Indeterminate Leprosy (IL).