Leprosy pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
The clinical manifestations of leprosy largely reflect the [[immune response]] of the host towards the [[infection]]. Once the [[bacterial]] [[cells]] penetrate and multiply within the hosts [[skin]] and [[peripheral nerve]] cells, the [[immune system]] mounts a response toward the [[infected]] [[cells]], which results in clinical [[symptoms]].  Several [[single-nucleotide polymorphism]] have been associated with a higher [[incidence]] of leprosy.
The clinical manifestations of leprosy largely reflect the [[immune response]] of the host towards the [[infection]]. Once the [[bacterial]] [[cells]] penetrate and multiply within the hosts [[skin]] and [[peripheral nerve]] cells, the [[immune system]] mounts a response toward the [[infected]] [[cells]], which results in clinical [[symptoms]].  Several [[single-nucleotide polymorphism]]s such as [[TNF-α]], [[IL-10]], [[IFN-γ]], [[TLR 1]] have been associated with a greater susceptibility to leprosy as have other genetic markers.
 
==Pathogenesis==
[[Mycobacterium leprae]] has predisposition to [[infect]] [[macrophages]]. It is usually collected inside these, in [[intracellular]] groups, called ''globi''. This [[organism]] has an ideal growth temperature of 27-30ºC, which explains why it usually [[infection|infects]] areas such as the [[skin]], [[upper respiratory]] [[mucosa]] and [[peripheral nerves]]. It is able to [[infect]] [[cells]], particularly due to 2 structures:<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref><ref name="pmid23870850">{{cite journal| author=Eichelmann K, González González SE, Salas-Alanis JC, Ocampo-Candiani J| title=Leprosy. An update: definition, pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, and treatment. | journal=Actas Dermosifiliogr | year= 2013 | volume= 104 | issue= 7 | pages= 554-63 | pmid=23870850 | doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23870850  }} </ref><ref name="BrittonLockwood2004">{{cite journal|last1=Britton|first1=Warwick J|last2=Lockwood|first2=Diana NJ|title=Leprosy|journal=The Lancet|volume=363|issue=9416|year=2004|pages=1209–1219|issn=01406736|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(04)15952-7}}</ref><ref name="GuliaFried2010">{{cite journal|last1=Gulia|first1=Andrea|last2=Fried|first2=Isabella|last3=Massone|first3=Cesare|title=New insights in the pathogenesis and genetics of leprosy|journal=F1000 Medicine Reports|volume=2|year=2010|issn=17575931|doi=10.3410/M2-30}}</ref>
 
* [[Capsule]] - target of intense humoral immune response (immunoglobulin M-mediated).
 
* [[Cell wall]] - particularly the ''lipoarabinomannan'', works as an [[antigen]] for the [[macrophages]].
 
The [[bacillus]] is known to target [[Schwann cells]], specifically the G domain of the [[laminin]]-α2 chain. This domain is predominantly expressed in the [[basal lamina]] of [[peripheral nerves]], thereby explaining the [[neuropathy]] felt in this condition. The [[pathogen]] then penetrates the [[cell]], at which time it will multiply, until the [[infected]] [[cell]] is finally recognized by the [[immune system]] and a an [[inflammatory]] reaction is started.<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref><ref name="pmid10449784">{{cite journal| author=Shimoji Y, Ng V, Matsumura K, Fischetti VA, Rambukkana A| title=A 21-kDa surface protein of Mycobacterium leprae binds peripheral nerve laminin-2 and mediates Schwann cell invasion. | journal=Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A | year= 1999 | volume= 96 | issue= 17 | pages= 9857-62 | pmid=10449784 | doi= | pmc=PMC22300 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10449784  }} </ref>
 
This mechanism explains the reason why the clinical manifestations of the disease will depend on the [[immunologic]] status of the patient and the intensity of the response developed following the [[infection]] of the host [[cells]].<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref>


==Genetics==
==Genetics==
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* [[HLA-DR2]] and [[HLA-DR3]] are considered to be linked with the tuberculoid class.
* [[HLA-DR2]] and [[HLA-DR3]] are considered to be linked with the tuberculoid class.
* [[HLA-DQ1]] is considered to be linked with the lepromatous class.
* [[HLA-DQ1]] is considered to be linked with the lepromatous class.
==Pathogenesis==
[[Mycobacterium leprae]] has predisposition to [[infect]] [[macrophages]]. It is usually collected inside these, in [[intracellular]] groups, called ''globi''. This [[organism]] has an ideal growth temperature of 27-30ºC, which explains why it usually [[infection|infects]] areas such as the [[skin]], [[upper respiratory]] [[mucosa]] and [[peripheral nerves]]. It is able to [[infect]] [[cells]], particularly due to 2 structures:<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref><ref name="pmid23870850">{{cite journal| author=Eichelmann K, González González SE, Salas-Alanis JC, Ocampo-Candiani J| title=Leprosy. An update: definition, pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, and treatment. | journal=Actas Dermosifiliogr | year= 2013 | volume= 104 | issue= 7 | pages= 554-63 | pmid=23870850 | doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23870850  }} </ref><ref name="BrittonLockwood2004">{{cite journal|last1=Britton|first1=Warwick J|last2=Lockwood|first2=Diana NJ|title=Leprosy|journal=The Lancet|volume=363|issue=9416|year=2004|pages=1209–1219|issn=01406736|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(04)15952-7}}</ref><ref name="GuliaFried2010">{{cite journal|last1=Gulia|first1=Andrea|last2=Fried|first2=Isabella|last3=Massone|first3=Cesare|title=New insights in the pathogenesis and genetics of leprosy|journal=F1000 Medicine Reports|volume=2|year=2010|issn=17575931|doi=10.3410/M2-30}}</ref>
* [[Capsule]] - target of intense humoral immune response (immunoglobulin M-mediated).
* [[Cell wall]] - particularly the ''lipoarabinomannan'', works as an [[antigen]] for the [[macrophages]].
The [[bacillus]] is known to target [[Schwann cells]], specifically the G domain of the [[laminin]]-α2 chain. This domain is predominantly expressed in the [[basal lamina]] of [[peripheral nerves]], thereby explaining the [[neuropathy]] felt in this condition. The [[pathogen]] then penetrates the [[cell]], at which time it will multiply, until the [[infected]] [[cell]] is finally recognized by the [[immune system]] and a an [[inflammatory]] reaction is started.<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref><ref name="pmid10449784">{{cite journal| author=Shimoji Y, Ng V, Matsumura K, Fischetti VA, Rambukkana A| title=A 21-kDa surface protein of Mycobacterium leprae binds peripheral nerve laminin-2 and mediates Schwann cell invasion. | journal=Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A | year= 1999 | volume= 96 | issue= 17 | pages= 9857-62 | pmid=10449784 | doi= | pmc=PMC22300 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10449784  }} </ref>
This mechanism explains the reason why the clinical manifestations of the disease will depend on the immunologic status of the patient and the intensity of the response developed following the [[infection]] of the host [[cells]].<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref>
==Transmission==
The locations of the body thought to be the source of [[transmission]] of ''[[Mycobacterium leprae]]'' include:
* '''''Skin''''' - studies have shown presence of large amounts of [[bacteria]] in the [[dermis]] of leprosy patients, however, it is not known if these are able to reach the [[epidermis]] in order to be [[transmission|transmitted]] to other individuals.<ref name="BhatPrakash2012">{{cite journal|last1=Bhat|first1=Ramesh Marne|last2=Prakash|first2=Chaitra|title=Leprosy: An Overview of Pathophysiology|journal=Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases|volume=2012|year=2012|pages=1–6|issn=1687-708X|doi=10.1155/2012/181089}}</ref><ref name="pmid16779736">{{cite journal| author=Scollard DM, Joyce MP, Gillis TP| title=Development of leprosy and type 1 leprosy reactions after treatment with infliximab: a report of 2 cases. | journal=Clin Infect Dis | year= 2006 | volume= 43 | issue= 2 | pages= e19-22 | pmid=16779736 | doi=10.1086/505222 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16779736  }} </ref> Conflicting reports have been issued on this matter, therefore whether or not the bacteria are able to reach the cell surface, remains uncertain.<ref name="pmid16248207">{{cite journal| author=Truman R| title=Leprosy in wild armadillos. | journal=Lepr Rev | year= 2005 | volume= 76 | issue= 3 | pages= 198-208 | pmid=16248207 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16248207  }} </ref>A study showed presence of these organisms in sebaceous secretions of lepromatous leprosy patients, which leads to the hypothesis that these pathogens may exist the host's body through this manner.<ref name="pmid9728446">{{cite journal| author=Valverde CR, Canfield D, Tarara R, Esteves MI, Gormus BJ| title=Spontaneous leprosy in a wild-caught cynomolgus macaque. | journal=Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis | year= 1998 | volume= 66 | issue= 2 | pages= 140-8 | pmid=9728446 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9728446  }} </ref>
* '''''Nasal mucosa''''' - [[secretions]] from the [[nasal mucosa]] of ''lepromatous patients'' are rich in viable [[mycobacterium leprae]], and may therefore be a source of [[transmission]].<ref name="pmid19994470">{{cite journal| author=Gillis T, Vissa V, Matsuoka M, Young S, Richardus JH, Truman R et al.| title=Characterisation of short tandem repeats for genotyping Mycobacterium leprae. | journal=Lepr Rev | year= 2009 | volume= 80 | issue= 3 | pages= 250-60 | pmid=19994470 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19994470  }} </ref><ref name="BhatPrakash2012">{{cite journal|last1=Bhat|first1=Ramesh Marne|last2=Prakash|first2=Chaitra|title=Leprosy: An Overview of Pathophysiology|journal=Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases|volume=2012|year=2012|pages=1–6|issn=1687-708X|doi=10.1155/2012/181089}}</ref>
The entry route into the [[human body]] is also still unknown, however, recent studies point to a predominance of the [[respiratory]] route as well.<ref name="BhatPrakash2012">{{cite journal|last1=Bhat|first1=Ramesh Marne|last2=Prakash|first2=Chaitra|title=Leprosy: An Overview of Pathophysiology|journal=Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases|volume=2012|year=2012|pages=1–6|issn=1687-708X|doi=10.1155/2012/181089}}</ref><ref name="pmid22270197">{{cite journal| author=Han XY, Sizer KC, Tan HH| title=Identification of the leprosy agent Mycobacterium lepromatosis in Singapore. | journal=J Drugs Dermatol | year= 2012 | volume= 11 | issue= 2 | pages= 168-72 | pmid=22270197 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22270197  }} </ref><ref name="pmid19633074">{{cite journal| author=Han XY, Sizer KC, Thompson EJ, Kabanja J, Li J, Hu P et al.| title=Comparative sequence analysis of Mycobacterium leprae and the new leprosy-causing Mycobacterium lepromatosis. | journal=J Bacteriol | year= 2009 | volume= 191 | issue= 19 | pages= 6067-74 | pmid=19633074 | doi=10.1128/JB.00762-09 | pmc=PMC2747882 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19633074  }} </ref>


==Associated Conditions==
==Associated Conditions==
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===Immunologic Reactions===
===Immunologic Reactions===
Systemic [[inflammatory]] reactions may occur before, during or after the [[therapy|treatment]] of leprosy.<ref name="pmid6219136">{{cite journal| author=Modlin RL, Hofman FM, Taylor CR, Rea TH| title=T lymphocyte subsets in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy. | journal=J Am Acad Dermatol | year= 1983 | volume= 8 | issue= 2 | pages= 182-9 | pmid=6219136 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6219136  }} </ref> These are thought to be related to changes in the [[immune system]], such as following stress situations, [[pregnancy]] or leprosy medications.<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref> There are two different types of reactions, which are thought to have different underlying immunologic mechanisms:
Systemic [[inflammatory]] reactions may occur before, during or after the [[therapy|treatment]] of leprosy.<ref name="pmid6219136">{{cite journal| author=Modlin RL, Hofman FM, Taylor CR, Rea TH| title=T lymphocyte subsets in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy. | journal=J Am Acad Dermatol | year= 1983 | volume= 8 | issue= 2 | pages= 182-9 | pmid=6219136 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6219136  }} </ref> These are thought to be related to changes in the [[immune system]], such as following stressful situations, [[pregnancy]] or leprosy medications.<ref name="EichelmannGonzález González2013">{{cite journal|last1=Eichelmann|first1=K.|last2=González González|first2=S.E.|last3=Salas-Alanis|first3=J.C.|last4=Ocampo-Candiani|first4=J.|title=Leprosy. An Update: Definition, Pathogenesis, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment|journal=Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition)|volume=104|issue=7|year=2013|pages=554–563|issn=15782190|doi=10.1016/j.adengl.2012.03.028}}</ref> There are two different types of reactions, which are thought to have different underlying immunologic mechanisms:


====Tipe 1 (T1R) or Reversal Reaction (RR)====
====Tipe 1 (T1R) or Reversal Reaction (RR)====
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==Microscopic Pathology==
==Microscopic Pathology==
===Histopathology===
===Histopathology===
The manifestations of leprosy depend on the host's [[immune response]] towards the [[mycobacteria]]. Therefore, ''tuberculoid'' and ''lepromatous'' patients will show different [[histopathologic]] findings:<ref name="BhatPrakash2012">{{cite journal|last1=Bhat|first1=Ramesh Marne|last2=Prakash|first2=Chaitra|title=Leprosy: An Overview of Pathophysiology|journal=Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases|volume=2012|year=2012|pages=1–6|issn=1687-708X|doi=10.1155/2012/181089}}</ref><ref name="pmid6219136">{{cite journal| author=Modlin RL, Hofman FM, Taylor CR, Rea TH| title=T lymphocyte subsets in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy. | journal=J Am Acad Dermatol | year= 1983 | volume= 8 | issue= 2 | pages= 182-9 | pmid=6219136 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6219136  }} </ref><ref name="pmid6332791">{{cite journal| author=Wallach D, Flageul B, Bach MA, Cottenot F| title=The cellular content of dermal leprous granulomas: an immuno-histological approach. | journal=Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis | year= 1984 | volume= 52 | issue= 3 | pages= 318-26 | pmid=6332791 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6332791  }} </ref>
The clinical manifestations of leprosy depend on the host's [[immune response]] towards the [[mycobacteria]]. Therefore, ''tuberculoid'' and ''lepromatous'' patients will show different [[histopathologic]] findings:<ref name="BhatPrakash2012">{{cite journal|last1=Bhat|first1=Ramesh Marne|last2=Prakash|first2=Chaitra|title=Leprosy: An Overview of Pathophysiology|journal=Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases|volume=2012|year=2012|pages=1–6|issn=1687-708X|doi=10.1155/2012/181089}}</ref><ref name="pmid6219136">{{cite journal| author=Modlin RL, Hofman FM, Taylor CR, Rea TH| title=T lymphocyte subsets in the skin lesions of patients with leprosy. | journal=J Am Acad Dermatol | year= 1983 | volume= 8 | issue= 2 | pages= 182-9 | pmid=6219136 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6219136  }} </ref><ref name="pmid6332791">{{cite journal| author=Wallach D, Flageul B, Bach MA, Cottenot F| title=The cellular content of dermal leprous granulomas: an immuno-histological approach. | journal=Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis | year= 1984 | volume= 52 | issue= 3 | pages= 318-26 | pmid=6332791 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6332791  }} </ref>
====Tuberculoid patients====
====Tuberculoid patients====
These patients will show a strong [[immune response]] towards the [[bacteria]], with:
These patients will show a strong [[immune response]] towards the [[bacteria]], with:
* Production of IFN-γ  
* Production of [[IFN-γ]]
* [[Inflammatory]] infiltrate with multiple [[granulomas]]
* [[Inflammatory]] infiltrate with multiple [[granulomas]]
* [[Granulomas]] containing [[giant cells]], differentiated macrophages and epithelioid cells
* [[Granulomas]] containing [[giant cells]], differentiated [[macrophage]]s and epithelioid cells
* Predominance of [[CD4]] cells
* Predominance of [[CD4]] cells
* Low [[bacterial]] index.
* Low [[bacterial]] index
* Commonly positive [[lepromin]] [[skin test]]
* Commonly positive [[lepromin]] [[skin test]]


Line 99: Line 105:
* High [[bacterial]] index
* High [[bacterial]] index


===Histopathology Image Gallery===
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Leprosy-18.jpg|Case of lepromatous or multibacillary leprosy, with photomicrograph revealing histopathologic changes in human testicular tissue, including a large number of “foam cells”. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/  Adapted from Public Health Image Library (PHIL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.]''<ref name="PHIL">{{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>
Image:Leprosy-18.jpg|Case of lepromatous or multibacillary leprosy, with photomicrograph revealing histopathologic changes in human testicular tissue, including a large number of “foam cells”. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/  Adapted from Public Health Image Library (PHIL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.]''<ref name="PHIL">{{Cite web | title = Public Health Image Library (PHIL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | url = http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL>
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[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Infectious disease]]
 
[[Category:Tropical disease]]
[[Category:Tropical disease]]
[[Category:Leprosy]]
[[Category:Leprosy]]

Latest revision as of 18:10, 18 September 2017

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]

Overview

The clinical manifestations of leprosy largely reflect the immune response of the host towards the infection. Once the bacterial cells penetrate and multiply within the hosts skin and peripheral nerve cells, the immune system mounts a response toward the infected cells, which results in clinical symptoms. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms such as TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, TLR 1 have been associated with a greater susceptibility to leprosy as have other genetic markers.

Genetics

The infection by the mycobacterium leprae and the course of the disease are influenced by genetic factors in the host.[1][2] Some single-nucleotide polymorphism have been associated with a higher incidence of leprosy. These include:[1][3][4][5][6]

Another study has suggested a possible relationship between genetic variants of the NOD2 gene, increased susceptibility to leprosy and the development of type I and II reactions.[7]

It has also been suggested an association between leprosy and a locus in chromosome 10p13, in the proximity of the mannose receptor 1 gene. Since the mannose receptors are located on the macrophage's surface, they play an important role in phagocytosis.[8]

Additionally, the subtype of leprosy developed in a patient has been associated with genes of the class II HLA/major histocompatibility complex, at chromosome 6. Accordingly:

  • HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR3 are considered to be linked with the tuberculoid class.
  • HLA-DQ1 is considered to be linked with the lepromatous class.

Pathogenesis

Mycobacterium leprae has predisposition to infect macrophages. It is usually collected inside these, in intracellular groups, called globi. This organism has an ideal growth temperature of 27-30ºC, which explains why it usually infects areas such as the skin, upper respiratory mucosa and peripheral nerves. It is able to infect cells, particularly due to 2 structures:[9][10][11][12]

  • Capsule - target of intense humoral immune response (immunoglobulin M-mediated).

The bacillus is known to target Schwann cells, specifically the G domain of the laminin-α2 chain. This domain is predominantly expressed in the basal lamina of peripheral nerves, thereby explaining the neuropathy felt in this condition. The pathogen then penetrates the cell, at which time it will multiply, until the infected cell is finally recognized by the immune system and a an inflammatory reaction is started.[9][13]

This mechanism explains the reason why the clinical manifestations of the disease will depend on the immunologic status of the patient and the intensity of the response developed following the infection of the host cells.[9]

Transmission

The locations of the body thought to be the source of transmission of Mycobacterium leprae include:

  • Skin - studies have shown presence of large amounts of bacteria in the dermis of leprosy patients, however, it is not known if these are able to reach the epidermis in order to be transmitted to other individuals.[1][14] Conflicting reports have been issued on this matter, therefore whether or not the bacteria are able to reach the cell surface, remains uncertain.[15]A study showed presence of these organisms in sebaceous secretions of lepromatous leprosy patients, which leads to the hypothesis that these pathogens may exist the host's body through this manner.[16]
  • Nasal mucosa - secretions from the nasal mucosa of lepromatous patients are rich in viable mycobacterium leprae, and may therefore be a source of transmission.[17][1]

The entry route into the human body is also still unknown, however, recent studies point to a predominance of the respiratory route as well.[1][18][19]

Associated Conditions

Leprosy Among Patients with HIV

There is no increased susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae in HIV patients, nor are the clinical features altered. After initiation of antiretroviral therapy, latent leprosy can become clinically apparent in an HIV patient once the immune response is reestablished.[20][21]

Gross Pathology

Type of Leprosy

Tuberculoid Leprosy

Lepromatous Leprosy

Immunologic Reactions

Systemic inflammatory reactions may occur before, during or after the treatment of leprosy.[22] These are thought to be related to changes in the immune system, such as following stressful situations, pregnancy or leprosy medications.[9] There are two different types of reactions, which are thought to have different underlying immunologic mechanisms:

Tipe 1 (T1R) or Reversal Reaction (RR)

Type 2 (T2R) or Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL)

Microscopic Pathology

Histopathology

The clinical manifestations of leprosy depend on the host's immune response towards the mycobacteria. Therefore, tuberculoid and lepromatous patients will show different histopathologic findings:[1][22][24]

Tuberculoid patients

These patients will show a strong immune response towards the bacteria, with:

Lepromatous patients

These patients will show a weaker immune response, with:

Gallery

References

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  2. Alter A, Alcaïs A, Abel L, Schurr E (2008). "Leprosy as a genetic model for susceptibility to common infectious diseases". Hum Genet. 123 (3): 227–35. doi:10.1007/s00439-008-0474-z. PMID 18247059.
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  14. Scollard DM, Joyce MP, Gillis TP (2006). "Development of leprosy and type 1 leprosy reactions after treatment with infliximab: a report of 2 cases". Clin Infect Dis. 43 (2): e19–22. doi:10.1086/505222. PMID 16779736.
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