Basophil leucocyte response in leprosy with lepromin-A

Abstract

Study of 'Basophil Leucocyte Response' in two polar groups of leprosy patients (tuberculoid and lepromatous) was undertaken employing Lepromin-A (Armadillo) by the method of Open Window Technique of Rebuck. Significant infiltration of Basophils at the test side is demonstrated both at 48 hours and at 72 hours in lepromatous leprosy as compared to the control groups i.e., in placebo and tuberculin positive healthy volunteers as well as against tuberculoid leprosy group (p value being less than 0.05 and 0.001). The basophils also go into degeneration and degranulation at 72 hours. .
The role of basophils in the different types of allergic reactions is discussed in context of above finding. The possible effect of high infiltration of basophils in lepromatous leprosy with its subsequent release of histamine and other factors by degranulation, and its possible role in immuno-regulation through specialised suppressor cells is postulated in the light of available data.