Histopathological changes in leprosy and its correlation with IHC markers

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease. It involves the psychological, socioeconomic dimensions of an individual. Histopathology is considered as an accurate method for diagnosing leprosy. Immunity is largely T-cell mediated, whereas deficiency of T-cells causes lepromatous leprosy. The relative proportion of T and B lymphocytes were studied using CD3 and CD20 immunohistochemistry markers (IHC). A Retrospective, prospective and observational study was carried from August 2016 to July 2019. The cases were divided based on histopathological findings. IHC markers CD3 was used to study T cell whereas CD20 was used to study B-cells. As per Ridley Jopling classification maximum cases belonged to indeterminate forms. Bacillary load of 4+ and above was seen in lepromatous leprosy. CD3 showed strong positivity in all types whereas CD20 showed more focal positive staining for lepromatous leprosy than tuberculoid and indeterminate forms.