Clinico-pathological Correlation in Diagnosis of Hansen's Disease: A Histopathologist's Perspective

Hansen’s disease is a chronic infectious condition affecting principally the skin and peripheral nerves [1]. In the absence of the classic involvement of the peripheral nerves, the clinical manifestations of leprosy are diverse and can mimic a host of other skin disorders. With decreasing prevalence of the disease in the current post-elimination era, the opportunities to study this enigmatic disease are fewer whereas the need to sustain a high level of diagnostic expertise is absolutely necessary. The consequence of untreated or undertreated leprosy is not only the permanent and debilitating deformity suffered by these patients but also the risk posed by these individuals who act as reservoir for infection in the community. At this juncture, the histopathological examination of skin biopsies for diagnosis of leprosy and for the categorization of clinically suspected cases plays a pivotal role [2,3].