Significance of Histopathology in Leprosy in Western Part of India - An Observational Study

Introduction Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by mycobacterium leprae, principally affecting cooler parts of the body mainly skin and peripheral nerves. The histopathological study of leprosy is very important in understanding the disease, its varied manifestations and complications. Aim of this studyTo clincohistopathologically study the different types of Leprosy. Methods& MaterialThe study was conducted in department of Pathology at Mahatama Gandhi Mission Hospital, Navi Mumbai during period from November 2015 to September 2017, a total 500 skin biopsies were received for histopathological exammination, of which 50 skin biopsies were of Leprosy which were stained and studied. Results 50 skin biopsies were obtained from patients age range of 10-80 years, majority were in 2nd decade (32 %) with male to female ratio 11. Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy is the most common type of leprosy constituting ( 38 %) of the biopsies followed by Inderminate leprosy (30 %), borderline leprosy (10 %), Lepromatous leprosy (8 %), Tuberculoid leprosy (1.5 %), histoid leprosy (6 %) and borderline borderline (2 %) biopsies. Conclusion For accurate diagnosis and treatment, correlation of clinical and histopathological features along with bacterial index appear to be more useful