The bacteriological interpretation of skin smears and biopsies in leprosy

Abstract
1. (1) A comparison of the results of serial skin smears and biopsies in leprosy indicates that the bacterial index of smears reflects the density of bacilli in the foci which constitute the lepra nodule, while taking little account of the size of the foci. 2. (2) In many cases response to treatment takes the form of a diminution in size and number of these foci without alteration to the bacterial density. This can be detected only in biopsies. 3. (3) A comparison of biopsies of two lepromatous nodules is not valid. But serial biopsies give bacteriological information that cannot be obtained from smears.