Diagnostic value ofIn Situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy

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Abstract
Objective : This prospective study was carried out to assess the diagnostic value ofin situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy, particularly in enhancing the histopathological diagnosis.Method : Clinical examination of 20 patients (in situ PCR testing.Results : The histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 45% cases only; non-specific histopathology was reported in the remaining 55% cases.In situ PCR showed a positivity of 57.1% in early/ localized form of leprosy (IIBT) and 61.5% in (BB/BL) group. When compared to histopathology examination, a significant enhancement of 15% in diagnosis was seen. Within situ PCR, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 4/11 (36.3%) cases with non-specific histopathological features, (which is common in early disease) in addition to confirmation of 8/9 (88.8%) histopathologically-confirmed tissue sections. Histopathology andin situ PCR, combined together, confirmed the diagnosis in 13/20 cases (65% of total cases).Conclusion : Thus,in situ PCR is an important diagnostic tool especially in early and doubtful cases of leprosy.