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[Bacterial sampling using lymph node puncture-aspiration. A study of 50 patients with leprosy]
F Latapi-Contreras1, P Caire-Loyer, O Flores-Alonso
1Centro-dermatológico Ladislao de la Pascua, Secretaria de Salud, Mexico, DF.
Acta Leprologica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes offers a sensitive method for diagnosing leprosy. This technique effectively monitors treatment response and reactional phases in leprosy patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Infectious diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Leprosy diagnosis relies on traditional smear techniques.
- Assessing treatment efficacy and reactional phases requires sensitive monitoring methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lymph nodes in leprosy diagnosis.
- To compare FNA with conventional smear techniques for leprosy.
- To assess FNA's utility in monitoring treatment and reactional phases.
Main Methods:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lymph nodes was performed in 50 leprosy patients.
- Results were compared with bacillary smears from nasal mucosa, ear lobule, and cutaneous lesions.
- Morphologic and bacteriologic indices were analyzed.
Main Results:
- FNA demonstrated higher sensitivity (30% bacteriologic, 34% morphologic) than conventional smears.
- FNA showed increased sensitivity (50%) in patients with type II leprosy reactions.
- After 6 months of multi-therapy, morphologic and bacteriologic indices showed significant decreases.
Conclusions:
- Fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes is a valuable diagnostic tool for leprosy.
- FNA is simple, minimally invasive, and effective for monitoring treatment and reactional phases.
- This method aids in assessing therapeutic response and disease progression.