"Differential diagnosis of leprosy" a guide book for histopathologists

T Gopinathan

 Dermato-Venereology, Medical College, Calicut-8, Kerala, India

Correspondence Address:
T Gopinathan
Dermato-Venereology, Medical College, Calicut-8, Kerala
India

Authors: Dr. Charles K Job, MD, FRC Path., FAMS, FIC Path and Dr. Sushil M Chandy, MD, PhD, FIC Path.Published by Karigiri Leprosy Education Programme, Schieffelin Leprosy Research and

Training Centre, Karigiri-632 106, Tamil Nadu, India. Printed at Chummy Printers, 23/3, Arcot Road, Vellore-632 004. Pages: 118, Year: 2001- Price: Not mentioned.

This book is written by one of the eminent research Scientists of our time, Dr. Charles K. Job, Consultant Pathologist and Scientist Emeritus, Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre, Karigiri, Tamil Nadu. It is co-authored by Dr. Sushil M.Chandy, Former Professor & HOD of Pathology, Christian Medical College, Vellore. It will be redundant for me to go over the outstanding expertise of Dr. C.K. Job in the field of Leprology, especially as a pathologist. His interest in this speciality spanning over 4 decades is known to all those working in this field and it is reflected in this book. This book is, in fact, more than a "Guide Book for Histopathologists". It is equally useful for the practicing Dermatologists, Leprologists, general practitioners and post-graduate students of medicine. The Book has 10 chapters dealing with almost all aspects of Leprosy as it affects different organs of the human body. Particular attention has been given to explaining in detail the differential diagnosis of indeterminate and other forms of early leprosy, which often confronts the clinician and pathologists as diagnostic dilemmas. The brief, precise descriptions of histopathological changes. These in different forms of Leprosy and in diseases of the skin clinically resembling Leprosy are very informative to the clinician and the pathologist alike.

The illustrations, diagrams and printing in colour have been uniformly excellent and enhance the pleasure of reading this book. The authors descriptions on each of the differential diagnosis of leprosy in its various manifestations are lucid, concise and clear. In appendix 1,2 and 3, the authors have given brief description about skin ′biopsy′, Job-Chacko modification of Fifes Acid Fast Stain and Slit Skin Smear examination which will be useful to students and technicians. Perhaps in a book of this nature one should not expect a separate section on treatment but as a practicing dermatologist, I cannot but note this lacunae and record it in this review, without in any way diminishing the value of the book.

The authors have stated that it is their hope that this book "will be a guide to help pathologists and dermatologists in the tropics and elsewhere to be aware of, recognise and differentiate leprosy from clinically similar disorders". Undoubtedly they have succeeded in this effort.