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Bartonella henselae DNA detection in patients with type 1 leprosy reactions for more than six months

Luciene Silva Dos Santos1, Lais Bomediano Souza2, Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart3

  • 1Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Aplicada em Dermatologia e Infecção por Bartonella, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|May 2, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Leprosy reactions cause significant disability. This study found Bartonella henselae infection is common in chronic type 1 leprosy reactions, suggesting it may trigger these debilitating events.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Leprosy reactions are a major cause of irreversible physical disability.
  • Co-infections are significant triggers for leprosy reactions, prolonging their duration and severity.
  • Previous research indicated a high prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of Bartonella sp. infection in patients experiencing chronic type 1 leprosy reactions.
  • To determine if Bartonella henselae infection is associated with chronic type 1 leprosy reactions.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular and microbiological tests were used to analyze blood samples.
  • 14 patients with chronic type 1 leprosy reactions were included in the study.
  • Infection rates were compared to previous findings in chronic type 2 leprosy reaction patients.

Main Results:

  • A high proportion of Bartonella henselae infection was detected in patients with chronic type 1 leprosy reactions (42.9%).
  • The detection rate of B. henselae DNA in this group was similar to that observed in chronic type 2 leprosy reactions.
  • No statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of B. henselae infection between chronic type 1 and type 2 leprosy reaction patients in this study (p = 0.88).

Conclusions:

  • Bartonella henselae infection may play a role in triggering chronic leprosy reactions.
  • Investigation of Bartonella sp. infection is recommended for all patients presenting with chronic leprosy reactions.
  • Understanding co-infections is crucial for managing leprosy complications and preventing disability.
Keywords:
BartonellaCoinfectionLeprosy

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