Diagnostic value ofIn Situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy

• DOI: 10.1007/bf02724408
• Publication Date: 2007-10-18T11:14:38Z
• Authors: R. Dayal; S. P. Singh; P. P. Mathur; V. M. Katoch; K. Katoch; M. Natrajan
• Keywords: DNA, Bacterial; Male; Adolescent; Polymerase Chain Reaction; 3. Good health; Mycobacterium leprae; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Leprosy; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Child; Skin

This prospective study was carried out to assess the diagnostic value of in situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy, particularly in enhancing the histopathological diagnosis.Clinical examination of 20 patients (< 16 yr) was done and skin smear for AFB was prepared. Biopsy of lesion site was taken for histopathological examination and in situ PCR testing.The histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 45% cases only; non-specific histopathology was reported in the remaining 55% cases. In situ PCR showed a positivity of 57.1% in early/localized form of leprosy (IIBT) and 61.5% in (BB/BL) group. When compared to histopathology examination, a significant enhancement of 15% in diagnosis was seen. With in situ PCR, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 4/11 (36.3%) cases with non-specific histopathological features, (which is common in early disease) in addition to confirmation of 8/9 (88.8%) histopathologically-confirmed tissue sections. Histopathology and in situ PCR, combined together, confirmed the diagnosis in 13/20 cases (65% of total cases).Thus, in situ PCR is an important diagnostic tool especially in early and doubtful cases of leprosy.