Is Trans-epidermal Elimination of Mycobacterium leprae in Histoid Leprosy, a Risk Factor for Transmission? � A Report
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Date
2025-03
Journal Title
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Publisher
Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh (Indian Leprosy Association)
Abstract
Histoid leprosy (HL) constitutes a rare variant of multibacillary (MB) leprosy characterized by distinctive clinical and histopathological characteristics. Herein, we present family cluster of three cases with HL as likely source of transmission. Eleven-year-old male child brought by mother had been diagnosed as borderline tuberculoid leprosy with type 1 lepra reaction. Incidentally we noticed histoid leprosy in mother. Later in histopathological examination revealed classical trans-epidermal elimination (TEE) of lepra bacilli. This had cautioned us investigate other family members, interestingly we noticed indeterminate leprosy in one of the female children. All three patients were treated, and family members were given chemoprophylaxis. This pattern of occurrence of leprosy in family especially in patient with histoid leprosy should be investigated thoroughly. The high bacillary load and the nature of the disease to shed the lepra bacilli through skin along with aerosol route could be potential modes of spread. Hence this report emphasizes on importance of TEE of lepra bacilli in leprosy transmission.
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Keywords
Childhood Leprosy, Transepidermal Elimination, Histoid Leprosy, Lepra Bacilli, Transmission.
Citation
Antakanavar GM, Kumar LP, Barman KD, Mallya V, Pandey N. . Is Trans-epidermal Elimination of Mycobacterium leprae in Histoid Leprosy, a Risk Factor for Transmission? � A Report. Indian Journal of Leprosy . 2025 Mar; 97(1): 57-60