Abstract

Peripheral nerve biopsies from 10 Lepromatous leprosy (LL) patients who were on multidrug treatment (MDT) were investigated by light and electron microscopy. Clofazimine (CLF) has been included as an essential component of MDT, which is the standard WHO regimen for treatment of leprosy. The patients receiving continuous MDT for a long period had viable bacilli in Schwann cells (SCs) of peripheral nerves whereas they had disappeared from the skin. Our ultrastructural observations clearly indicated the presence of CLF crystals in SCs. The crystals were in the form of osmiophilic rods of various shapes and sizes. On the other hand, the blood nerve barrier was clearly noticed in endoneurial blood vessels (EBV), and the barrier seems to play an important role for penetration of antileprosy drugs especially CLF.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.