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Bartonella henselae as a putative trigger for chronic type 2 leprosy reactions
Luciene Silva Dos Santos1, Marina Rovani Drummond1, Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart2
1Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Aplicada em Dermatologia e Infecção por Bartonella, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Summary
Chronic type 2 leprosy reactions may be triggered by Bartonella henselae infection. Patients with these reactions showed a higher prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Leprosy reactions are a significant cause of physical disability.
- Immunosuppressive treatments for leprosy reactions increase susceptibility to coinfections.
- Coinfections can precipitate new or persistent leprosy reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Bartonella sp. infection in patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
- To compare Bartonella sp. infection rates between patients and a control group.
- To assess the potential role of Bartonella henselae in triggering chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 47 patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions and 50 controls.
- Cultures and molecular methods, including PCR, were used to detect Bartonella sp.
- Species-specific PCR and sequencing were employed for identification and confirmation.
Main Results:
- Bartonella henselae infection was found in 40.4% (19/47) of patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
- The prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in the control group was 18.0% (9/50).
- Five patients treated for Bartonella henselae coinfection showed improvement in their leprosy reactions.
Conclusions:
- Bartonella henselae infection is more prevalent in patients with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
- Bartonella henselae may act as a trigger for chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
- Investigation for Bartonella sp. infection is recommended in patients with persistent type 2 leprosy reactions.
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