Advances in the Diagnosis of Leprosy

Abstract

Leprosy is a public health issue, and early detection is critical to avert disability. Despite the global attempt to eradicate this disease as a public health problem, it remains an important cause of global neurological disability. India, Brazil and Indonesia share more than 70% of the cases. The reduction of new cases is a priority in the WHO global strategy 2021-2030 which aims to reduce disease transmission in the community by diagnosing cases and identifying subclinical infection. The clinical manifestations of leprosy range from a few to several lesions. The identification remains difficult due to the limited sensitivity of traditional approaches based on bacillary counts of skin smears and histology. To aid in the diagnosis of this disease, molecular biology, and biotechnological technologies have been applied, each with its own set of benefits and downsides despite providing an essential tool to validate the clinical diagnosis of leprosy. Because of this, it is strongly recognized that specific, inexpensive point of care technologies should be developed, particularly to identify asymptomatic M. leprae infections or leprosy nearer to the suspected cases seeking medical attention. Thus, this review will provide an overview of the advancements in leprosy diagnosis over the world. The purpose of this review is to improve our understanding of the outcomes of current tests and technologies used in leprosy diagnosis and to emphasize critical aspects concerning the detection of leprosy bacilli.

MicroRNA biomarkers in leprosy: insights from the Northern Brazilian Amazon population and their implications in disease immune-physiopathology

“…Delay in the diagnosis of leprosy can lead to the development of more advanced stages of the disease, thus increasing the chances of transmission of the infectious agent and compromising the quality of life of patients (Jorge et al, 2017). The identification of the disease remains difficult due to the limited sensitivity of traditional approaches based on bacillary counts of skin smears and histology (Sharma and Singh, 2022). Molecular techniques using PCR technology and serological tests were developed; but sensitivity and specificity were limited, because household contacts of leprosy patients, as individuals remaining without disease may present positive PCR and/or PGL-I (van Hooij et al, 2016;Jorge et al, 2017;Carvalho et al, 2018).…”

Editorial: New insights in leprosy (Hansen's disease)

“…Recent innovations in diagnostic tools have paved the way for precise and timely disease identification. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction have enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of leprosy diagnosis, enabling healthcare professionals to intervene at earlier stages and prevent disease progression ( 4 ). Point-of-care diagnostics have also been a game changer, particularly in resource-limited settings.…”

“…Point-of-care diagnostics have also been a game changer, particularly in resource-limited settings. Portable and rapid diagnostic tests allow healthcare workers to conduct on-the-spot assessments, facilitating quicker treatment initiation, and reducing the burden of leprosy on affected individuals and communities ( 4 ). Our Research Topic included two studies that underscored this exciting topic.…”