Lymph-node Involvement in Tuberculoid Leprosy

Abstract

Twenty two untreated cases, of proved tuberculoid leprosy and five healthy persons in the control group were studied histopathologically for involvement of the lymph nodes. 54 % (12 cases) in the study group showed positive evidence of lymph node involvement. Ten patients (45.45%) showed the presence of granuloma in the lymph nodes. Eight (36.36%) had acid fast bacilli in the lymph nodes: six (75%) of them had granulomas as well and in two cases (25%) bacilli were present without granulomatous foci. There was no evidence of tuberculosis. In the control group none showed any pathology in the lymph nodes. In two cases, the leprous granuloma and bacilli were seen in lymph nodes which were outside lymphatic drainage area of the cutaneous lesions. 36.84% of these cases also showed evidence of leprous pathology in the liver.