Molecular detection of drug resistance in clinical specimens of leprosy patients from a tertiary care leprosy centre in South India

Abstract

Background Leprosy is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) experiencing relative stagnancy in the global number of new cases. Objective This study aims to find the proportion of antimicrobial resistance in the clinical specimens of leprosy patients attending a tertiary care leprosy Institute in South India. Materials and methods Skin biopsy specimens (31 Nos) were tested by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification of M. leprae, and PCR followed by DNA sequencing for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection. Results All 31 specimens tested for M. leprae identification were positive. Resistance to dapsone was 6.5%, while rifampicin and ofloxacin showed 100% sensitivity. Conclusion This study warrants the need for a vigilant surveillance mechanism to monitor the trend of antimicrobial resistance in leprosy.