title: Transepidermal elimination of Mycobacterium leprae in histoid leprosy: a case report suggesting possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission.
abstract: An Indian patient of histoid leprosy presenting de novo, having numerous solid staining bacilli inside the intact epidermis and eliminating bacilli from the intact and the eroded epidermis, is reported. The diagnosis, suggested by the clinical features, was confirmed histopathologically. This unusual report indicates possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, J.L.N Hospital & Research Center, Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai, India. draghorpade@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ashok Krishnarao
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Ghorpade
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D004817:Epidermis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007194:India; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007917:Leprostatic Agents