Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is an ancient, chronic, granulomatous, curable disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves extensively and is caused by Mycobacterium (M) leprae. It remains a considerable health issue in many developing countries including India. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for leprosy management as it helps to spread and morbidity associated with it. Materials and Methods:  The Cross-sectional Prospective study was conducted between period August 2020 to September 2022 in a teaching hospital from urban industrial area. A total of 100 Skin biopsies from clinically suspected cases of leprosy were included in this study. Detailed histomorphological features were studied.  Bacteriological Index (BI) of acid fast bacilli was calculated on Fite ferraco stain. Results: The most common type of leprosy was BT (n=24). Males were commonly affected than females and commonest age group was 21-40 years (n=39). Majority of the cases in lepramatous leprosy (50%) had Grenz zone. Perineural lymphocytes (37.50%) and periadnexal lymphocytes (45.45%) were appreciated. Conclusion: Classifying leprosy is vital to decide the treatment course. It should only not be on the basis of counting skin lesions, but also through clinical, bacteriological, histopathological examination of the skin biopsies.