title: The cellular exudate--Mycobacterium leprae relationship and the critical reading of skin smears.
abstract: A careful reading of conventionally stained Ziehl-Neelsen skin smear preparations in leprosy provides a number of insights into the patient's situation, including his approximate position in the spectrum. This data serves as a cross-check on the primary results of the smear examination, and aids their interpretation for the purposes of diagnosis, assessment of the response to chemotherapy and the possible onset of relapse.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ridley
mesh_terms: D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology; D007918:Leprosy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology