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Scientific Reports Mar 2024Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection mainly caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects skin and peripheral nerves. Due to its ability to absorb carbon...
Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection mainly caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects skin and peripheral nerves. Due to its ability to absorb carbon from the host cell, the bacillus became dependent on energy production, mainly through oxidative phosphorylation. In fact, variations in genes of Complex I of oxidative phosphorylation encoded by mtDNA have been associated with several diseases in humans, including bacterial infections, which are possible influencers in the host response to leprosy. Here, we investigated the presence of variants in the mtDNA genes encoding Complex I regarding leprosy, as well as the analysis of their pathogenicity in the studied cohort. We found an association of 74 mitochondrial variants with either of the polar forms, Pole T (Borderline Tuberculoid) or Pole L (Borderline Lepromatous and Lepromatous) of leprosy. Notably, six variants were exclusively found in both clinical poles of leprosy, including m.4158A>G and m.4248T>C in MT-ND1, m.13650C>A, m.13674T>C, m.12705C>T and m.13263A>G in MT-ND5, of which there are no previous reports in the global literature. Our observations reveal a substantial number of mutations among different groups of leprosy, highlighting a diverse range of consequences associated with mutations in genes across these groups. Furthermore, we suggest that the six specific variants exclusively identified in the case group could potentially play a crucial role in leprosy susceptibility and its clinical differentiation. These variants are believed to contribute to the instability and dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation during the infection, further emphasizing their significance.
Topics: Humans; Leprosy; Mycobacterium leprae; Skin; DNA, Mitochondrial; Antigens, Bacterial
PubMed: 38493220
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57191-y -
International Journal of Infectious... Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Leprostatic Agents; Leprosy; Mycobacterium leprae
PubMed: 38479578
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107004 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2024Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of approximately 20 diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, closely associated with poverty,... (Review)
Review
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of approximately 20 diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, closely associated with poverty, affecting over a billion people in low-income countries. This manuscript aims to explore the ocular manifestations and burden of two significant NTDs, namely Hansen's disease and trachoma while addressing gaps in understanding and management. Hansen's disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae , has a long history and presents with diverse neurological and ocular manifestations. Despite the availability of treatment, ocular complications persist, leading to significant visual impairment in some cases. The manuscript emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, regular ophthalmic examinations, and follow-ups to prevent and control ocular complications, reducing the burden of visual impairment and blindness. Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , remains the leading infectious cause of blindness in underdeveloped and remote areas. The manuscript highlights the clinical diagnosis and implementation of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental sanitation) strategy to prevent transmission and associated blindness. However, challenges in health surveillance tools and underreporting of trachoma cases are addressed, emphasizing the need for improved strategies to combat the disease effectively. Through a comprehensive review of the ocular manifestations and management of Hansen's disease and trachoma, this manuscript contributes to the existing knowledge base and enhances a deeper understanding of these NTDs. Addressing gaps in understanding and management emphasizes the importance of implementing WHO's strategies and collaborative efforts to achieve the global goal of reducing the burden of NTDs and improving community health and well-being. The manuscript underscores the significance of early intervention, preventive measures, and technological advancements, providing valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers working in the field of NTDs.
Topics: Humans; Trachoma; Leprosy; Eye Infections, Bacterial; Blindness; Neglected Diseases; Global Health; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38454868
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_793_23 -
Narra J Dec 2023Leprosy, caused by is a chronic infectious disease that impacts the skin and peripheral nerves, causing long-term disability. The invasion of into the body triggers...
Leprosy, caused by is a chronic infectious disease that impacts the skin and peripheral nerves, causing long-term disability. The invasion of into the body triggers immunologic responses and single single-nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine-encoding genes may influence predisposition and susceptibility, possibly predicting the incidence of leprosy reactions. The aim of this study was to assess the gene polymorphism of interleukin-10 promoter -819C/T in leprosy patients, leprosy patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) reaction, and household contacts. A total of 54 individuals were included, with 18 in each group. Skin smear and histopathologic examinations were used to confirm the diagnosis of leprosy and ENL. The polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to determine the polymorphism. The results confirmed the presence of polymorphism of which all TT, CT, and CC genotypes presented. The TT genotype was most prevalent in household contacts (94.4%) followed by ENL (50%), and leprosy patients (44.4%). The CT genotype was most frequently detected in leprosy patients (50%), followed by ENL cases (44.4%), and household contacts (5.56%). In contrast, CC was mostly presented in ENL cases (5.56%), only 1% in leprosy patients, and absent among household contacts. Although the most prevalent allele in all three groups was the T allele, the C allele presented in 27% and 30% of ENL and leprosy patients, respectively and only 5% in household contact individuals. This study suggests that the polymorphism variations of -819C/T are higher in leprosy and ENL patients compared to household contacts. Since this data is preliminary, larger studies are needed.
PubMed: 38450337
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i3.276 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024
PubMed: 38414623
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1372149 -
Cureus Jan 2024Background Acid-fast bacilli and are the causative organisms behind two major diseases of developing nations, tuberculosis and leprosy, respectively. To efficiently...
Background Acid-fast bacilli and are the causative organisms behind two major diseases of developing nations, tuberculosis and leprosy, respectively. To efficiently tackle these diseases in developing nations, drugs must be augmented with improved detection modalities. This necessitates the development of enhanced tools that can aid the current detection modalities being used in high-incidence areas. A no-code artificial intelligence model based on image classification is one such tool that can be used in the identification of acid-fast bacilli. This study utilizes three such no-code artificial intelligence models that originate from three different platforms but share identical training, testing, and subsequent evaluation. Thereafter, the study is directed at comparing the three models created and identifying the one that can function as a promising support system for the detection of acid-fast bacilli. Methods To begin with, a total of 1000 images per class, i.e., positive and negative for each disease, were captured from the diagnosed slides of tuberculosis and leprosy, taken from the Department of Pathology. Subsequently, these slides were reviewed again by a pathologist to demarcate them as positive or negative for acid-fast bacilli. Once the required number of images was captured, 600 images of each class were selected as the training set, 300 images as the testing set, and the remaining 100 images as the evaluation set. Data augmentation was then performed using techniques such as rotating, mirroring, cropping, and position shifting. These designated data sets were then used to train the image classification software available on the following three platforms: Lobe (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States), Create ML (Apple Inc., Cupertino, California, United States), Python-based open-source software (PerceptiLabs, Stockholm, Sweden). The final evaluation was based on different parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, ease of use, learning curve, technological resources required, and feasibility of implementation. All parameters put together served the purpose of comparison to identify the most promising model. Results Out of the three models tested, the one built using Lobe is the most promising in terms of the evaluation parameters considered. For tuberculosis, the sensitivity and specificity values obtained were 96% each, while for leprosy, they were 100% and 96%, respectively. Also, the model built using Lobe had a near-negligible learning curve, in addition to being the most cost-effective and feasible model to implement. Furthermore, it had a unique real-time training feature, which constantly improved the model throughout the testing period, till the final sensitivity and specificity values were achieved. Conclusions In clinical situations where a high number of cases are encountered each day, a no-code artificial intelligence model built using Lobe would get exposed to a huge database, getting trained in real time. Subsequently, such a model would reach considerable levels of sensitivity and specificity and in turn, act as a promising support system for the detection of acid-fast bacilli.
PubMed: 38389642
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52784 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2024Leprosy is a highly neglected disease that is considered a serious public health problem in many countries. This illness is characterised by a variety of clinical and...
BACKGROUND
Leprosy is a highly neglected disease that is considered a serious public health problem in many countries. This illness is characterised by a variety of clinical and histopathological manifestations that are related to the patient immune response.
OBJECTIVES
This work aimed evaluate the profile of circulating immune mediators in the plasma from patients classified clinically as paucibacillary (PB), multibacillary (MB), households contacts (HHC), type1 leprosy reaction (T1R), type2 leprosy reaction (T2R) and control individuals without medical history of leprosy (CTL).
METHODS
To assessment of the plasma immune mediators was used multiplex microbeads immunoassay "Luminex".
FINDINGS
The results showed that patients (PB) had a regulatory-biased profile, while MB revealed a pro-inflammatory trend of highly expressed biomarkers. HHC display conspicuously increased levels in the plasma of the chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL8), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ,TNF and IL-1β), modulating cytokines (IL-9 and IL-1Ra) and growth factors (PDGF, G-CSF and IL-2). Interestingly, HHC displayed superior production of IFN-γ as compared to other leprosy groups, indicating a putative protective role for this cytokine during chronic Mycobacterium leprae exposure.
MAIN CONCLUSION
Further investigations are currently underway to elucidate the potential of these mediators as biomarkers applicable to the diagnosis/prognosis of leprosy and also T1R and T2R leprosy reactions.
Topics: Humans; Cytokines; Leprosy; Mycobacterium leprae; Chemokines; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38381878
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230129 -
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira de... 2024Neural leprosy, which is characterized by nerve involvement without visible skin lesions, presents a diagnostic challenge. This case report examined the significance of...
Neural leprosy, which is characterized by nerve involvement without visible skin lesions, presents a diagnostic challenge. This case report examined the significance of diverse diagnostic modalities in the identification of pure neural leprosy. A 28-year-old patient with symptoms of edema, pain, paresthesia, and diminished sensitivity in the lower limbs underwent various tests. A stilt skin smear yielded negative results on bacilloscopy, whereas a Fast ML Flow leprosy test and electroneuromyography supported the diagnosis. This discussion highlights the importance of accessible methods for early investigation. This study emphasizes the multidisciplinary approach and value of the Fast ML Flow leprosy test and electroneuromyography for diagnosing neural leprosy.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Leprosy, Tuberculoid; Leprosy; Skin; Mycobacterium leprae
PubMed: 38359312
DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0586-2023 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Feb 2024BACKGROUND Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a neglected tropical disease with low prevalence in the United States. The disease's long incubation period can...
BACKGROUND Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a neglected tropical disease with low prevalence in the United States. The disease's long incubation period can cause delayed presentation, and most affected individuals have a history of travel or work in leprosy-endemic regions. The immune response to Mycobacterium leprae determines the clinical characteristics of leprosy, with tuberculoid leprosy being characterized by well-defined granulomas and involvement of peripheral nerves. The recommended treatment is a combination of dapsone and rifampin for 12 months. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man with a history of extensive travel to Africa and Asia 50 years ago, presented with a non-tender, non-pruritic, and hypopigmented skin lesion on his left knee. Biopsy results confirmed granulomatous inflammation and the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, leading to a diagnosis of tuberculoid/paucibacillary leprosy. The patient received dapsone and rifampin treatment, which resulted in symptom improvement. CONCLUSIONS The patient's long incubation period of 50 years between exposure and symptom onset is remarkable and possibly one of the longest reported for tuberculoid leprosy. It emphasizes the importance of considering leprosy in cases with an extensive travel history and long incubation periods. Our patient's case presented contradictory staining results, suggesting potential sampling variation or a rare mixed leprosy form. Based on his clinical findings, he was diagnosed with tuberculoid leprosy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible nerve damage and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in acquiring a detailed travel history to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management of leprosy cases.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Leprosy, Tuberculoid; Rifampin; Infectious Disease Incubation Period; Leprosy; Mycobacterium leprae; Dapsone
PubMed: 38351602
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942048 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite persistent efforts to combat it leprosy...
Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite persistent efforts to combat it leprosy remains a significant public health concern particularly in developing countries. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease is not yet fully understood hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. However, recent studies have shed light on the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression, as promising biomarkers in various disease, including leprosy. This study aimed to validate a set of nine circulating miRNAs to propose new biomarkers for early diagnosis of the disease. , , , , and showed significant differential expression between non-leprosy group (non-LP) and leprosy group (LP), accurately discriminating between them (AUC > 0.75). In addition, our study revealed gender-based differences in miRNA expression in LP. Notably, showed higher expression in male LP, suggesting its potential as a male-specific biomarker. Similarly, and displayed elevated expression in female LP, indicating their potential as female-specific biomarkers. Additionally, several studied miRNAs are involved in the dysregulation of apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, cell cycle, and immune system in leprosy. In conclusion, the validation of miRNA expression highlights several miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.
PubMed: 38343694
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1320161