A study on the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach of leprosy: Can we prevent the recrudescence in the post-elimination Indian scenario?

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy also widely known by the name Hansen’s disease is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting mankind with various clinico-pathological forms. It remained a major public health issue due to associated case load, morbidity and stigma attached to it. India declared elimination of leprosy in the year 2005. However, it is surprising to see that in some parts of the country, the prevalence is still significant. The objective of the study is to describe the spectrum of histopathological profile of leprosy and compare its correlation with clinical diagnosis in this post elimination era. METHODS: A 24-months prospective study was conducted with clinically diagnosed leprosy cases in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Lesions were graded and the histopathological slides along with its bacteriological index (BI) on slit skin smears where possible was reviewed and analyzed. Agreement of histopathological finding with clinical finding was established. RESULTS: A total of 220 cases were included in the study. On histopathology, borderline category was the most frequently reported with borderline tuberculoid the most common subtype. Most common clinical feature was hypopigmented plaque, followed by erythematous skin lesions, nodules, macules etc. Bacteriological index was studied in 192 slit skin smears. Moderate agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnosis with kappa measure of inter-rater agreement as 0.457 was noted. CONCLUSION: Clinico-histopathological correlation is pivotal in the accurate diagnosis of leprosy to prevent, treat, and control the resurgence of the disease in the post-elimination era.