An Attempt to Improve Pure Neural Leprosy Diagnosis Using Immunohistochemistry Tests in Peripheral Nerve Biopsy Specimens

• DOI: 10.1097/pai.0b013e31828dc70c
• Publication Date: 2013-07-10T12:29:48Z
• Authors: Mildred Ferreira ...; Márcia Rodrigues ...; Robson Teixeira V...; José Augusto da C...; Anna Maria Sales; Milton Ozorio de ...; Leila Maria Chimelli; Maria Cristina Vi...; Helen Ferreira; Euzenir Nunes Sarno; Sérgio Luiz Gomes...
• Keywords: Nerve biopsy

The diagnosis of pure neural leprosy (PNL) is based on clinical and laboratory data, including the histopathology nerve biopsy specimens detection Mycobacterium leprae DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Given that histopathologic examination PCR methods may not be sufficient to confirm diagnosis, immunolabeling lipoarabinomanan (LAM) and/or phenolic glycolipid 1 (PGL-1) M. wall components was utilized in present investigation an attempt detect any vestigial presence acid-fast bacilli (AFB) samples. Twenty-three PNL samples (6 AFB 17 AFBPCR) were cryosectioned subjected LAM PGL-1 immunohistochemical staining immunoperoxidase. Five nonleprosy used as controls. 6 showed LAM/PGL-1 immunoreactivity. Among samples, 8 revealed In AFBPCR patients, just 7 yielded results. cases, immunolabeled would have contributed enhanced diagnostic efficiency absence molecular facilities.