Clinico-pathological study of so-called immune zones in leprosy

The clinical, bacteriological and histopathological features were studied in 20 cases of Leprosy (10 LL + 10 BL) from the so-called immune zones i.e. axilla, groin, and a narrow transverse band of skin over the lumbosacral region of the body. Apparently uninvolved skin over the chest was studied as control site. In the so-called immune sites, the clinical lesions of leprosy were noted in 40% of the cases (7 LL + 1 BL), AFB (both solid and granular forms) were detected in the smears of 45% cases (8 LL + 1 BL) and the histopathological evidence of the disease was observed in almost all the sites studied (100%). The results obtained in the present study revealed that practically no area on the surface of skin is immune to leprosy.