Reading of the Mitsuda test: comparison between diameter and total area by means of a computerized method

Abstract

The Mitsuda test is a skin test based on the individual’s immune response through late and highly specific hypersensitivity reaction to the Mycobacterium leprae bacillus. A negative reaction identifies individuals who present a higher risk of becoming ill if exposed to M. leprae and, if they become ill, to develop the virchowian form of disease. The Mitsuda test reading is performed by means of a millimeter ruler. The dermatoscopy is a method that has not been used in the evaluation of cutaneous tests, although its use has increased in several areas. The study aimed to compare the results between the standardized reading and the total area of the Mitsuda test obtained by a computerized method which was structured by the association of digital dermatoscopy, the Dermatology Web system and the Image Tool 3.0 software. Data collection was performed at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Eduardo de Menezes Hospital, in Belo Horizonte, from November 2015 to August 2016. The sample consisted of 100 leprosy domiciliary contacts. There was an excellent agreement between the Mitsuda test (diameter and area), with a coefficient greater than 80%, and an excellent correlation with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient (0.936). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated a low (0.219) but significant agreement between the two measurements. In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between the standardized reading and the total area of the Mitsuda test. Digital dermoscopy can be an alternative instrument of evaluation, allowing the computerization and recording of the Mitsuda test.

Association of CD209 (DC-SIGN) rs735240 SNV with paucibacillary leprosy in the Brazilian population and its functional effects

“…The Mitsuda test is a skin reaction based on a delayed cell-mediated immune response against mycobacteria; it is used for the prognostic and clinical classification of leprosy. (49) We observed that allele A carriers exhibited a higher Mitsuda response than non-carriers (Figure E). The response to the Mitsuda test observed in AA allele carriers was higher than that observed in GG individuals for both PB (5,7 mm x 4,8 mm) and MB patients (4,2 mm and 3,1 mm).…”

Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum in the Use of Thalidomide and Systemic Corticosteroid in Reference Service in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

“…A study of adverse effects of thalidomide was performed in HEM-FHEMIG and DVT were recorded in the use of the association thalidomide and systemic corticosteroid in patients with ENL [20]. HEM-FHEMIG is a Reference Center of leprosy and is aware in order to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of complications [21, 22].…”