Clinical profile of uveitis in Hansen’s disease after completion of treatment – A study of 50 cases using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on aqueous humour
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 5
Abstract
Chronic low grade anterior uveitis is the commonest cause of blindness in leprosy. It is usually asymptomatic until the late stages and patients seek help only after irreversible visual loss. We analysed patients who had a recurrence of uveitis after completion of treatment with anti-leprosy drugs and had been proven as histopathologically negative. The presence of chronic uveitis, complications and the extent of ocular damage it may cause, can continue even after treatment, emphasising the importance of follow-up, early detection and treatment. This is a prospective cohort study. Ophthalmic evaluation was performed using slit lamp examination, biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry, corneal sensation and Schirmer’s test. Split skin microscopy was done to confirm the activity of leprosy. In patients with recalcitrant iridocyclitis, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed. The sample was analysed both by smear and polymerase chain reaction. The sequences that were targeted using PCR included genes encoding the DNA of 36-kDa antigen, 18-kDa antigen, 65-kDa antigen and the repetitive sequences among other M. leprae genes. Aqueous aspirate showed copies of mycobacterium leprae DNA in five out of twelve patients with recalcitrant anterior uveitis. Direct smear and staining with Ziehl- Neelson staining for mycobacteria was positive showing both live and dead bacilli. Live bacilli can persist in the aqueous humour even after completion of treatment. In our study this was more frequently observed in tuberculoid leprosy. This is possibly due to an immune mediated response combined with inadequate treatment dose in these patients.
Authors and Affiliations
Radha Annamalai
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP247751
- DOI -
- Views 141
- Downloads 0
RPOB gene mutation in rifampicin resistant MRSA from foot infections of patients having diabetes mellitus
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen associated with asymptomatic colonization of the skin and mucosal surfaces of normal humans. Staphylococcus aureus isolates are often multidrug resistant. Rifa...
An anatomical study of variations in termination of brachial artery, with itsembryological basis and clinical significance
The brachial artery is the main artery of the arm. It begins as the continuation of 3rd part of axillary artery, at the level of inferior border of teres major muscle. It ends at the level of the neck of radius by dividi...
Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation, Cost Minimization Analysis of Anti-Diabetic Therapy in Gujarat
Economic burden of DM was approximated $ 132 billion in 2002. 55 patients with DM were recruited. Their clinical information was analyzed for most commonly and most costly prescribed drug molecule. Three brands of both d...
Platelets count in apparently healthy Sudanese blood donors in Gezira state (Sudan)
To detect Platelet count in apparently healthy male donors, to establish safety for both donors and recipient and also to transfuse safe blood and blood products. To perform platelet count for donors using automated mach...
A Prospective Study of comparison Pap’s Smear, Vili’s Test and Colposcopy In cervical cancer screening
To determine the efficacy of pap`s smear and VILLI as screening tool in tertiary care centre. To screen sexually active women for detection of early neoplastic lesion of the cervix using VILI, Pap smear and Colposcopy if...