Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Type II lepra reaction--an unusual presentation.
Avas Chandra Ray1, Sumit Sen, Sabyasachi Banerjee
1Dept.of Dermatology, IPGME and R, Kolkata.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|February 16, 2013
Summary
Type II lepra reactions typically involve skin lesions. This case highlights Hansen's disease presenting atypically with fever and no skin manifestations, emphasizing the need for broader diagnostic considerations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Type II lepra reactions are inflammatory complications of Hansen's disease (leprosy).
- These reactions commonly manifest with characteristic skin lesions, erythema nodosum leprosum, and systemic symptoms.
- Diagnosis typically relies on clinical presentation, including visible skin manifestations.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with a two-week history of fever.
- The patient exhibited no visible skin lesions suggestive of leprosy.
- There was no reported history of prior or concurrent anti-leprosy treatment.
Findings:
- Despite the absence of typical skin lesions, the patient was diagnosed with Hansen's disease.
- The presentation was characterized by a Type II lepra reaction.
- This case underscores atypical presentations of leprosy.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider Hansen's disease in febrile patients even without classic dermatological signs.
- Atypical presentations of Type II lepra reactions necessitate a high index of suspicion.
- Diagnostic approaches for leprosy may need to be broadened to include non-dermatological symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:01Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...