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Leprosy in five human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients
C A Moran1, A M Nelson, S M Tuur
1Department of Infectious and Parasitic Disease Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract:
We present five cases of leprosy in five human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals. The patients were five men between the ages of 18 and 45 years. The five patients presented with skin lesions; three patients with hypopigmented skin lesions, one with skin macules and a history of leprosy, and one with papular lesions. In one patient, there was bilateral "claw hands." Histologically, two cases were categorized as lepromatous leprosy, two as borderline tuberculoid, and one as borderline lepromatous. Follow-up information obtained in the five patients showed one patient had died, and the remaining four patients were alive and receiving antileprosy treatment.
Insights
Five human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men developed leprosy, presenting with diverse skin lesions. This highlights the importance of recognizing leprosy in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can alter the immune system, potentially influencing the presentation and progression of opportunistic infections like leprosy.
Observation:
- Five cases of leprosy were identified in HIV-positive men aged 18-45.
- Clinical presentations included hypopigmented skin lesions, macules, papules, and one case of bilateral "claw hands."
- Histological examination revealed various forms of leprosy: lepromatous, borderline tuberculoid, and borderline lepromatous.
Findings:
- The study details the clinical and histological characteristics of leprosy in an HIV-positive cohort.
- One patient died during the follow-up period, while the other four remained on antileprosy treatment.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the need for heightened clinical suspicion of leprosy in HIV-positive individuals presenting with dermatological symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing leprosy, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
- Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay between HIV and leprosy pathogenesis.