Role of Polymerase Chain Reaction in Diagnosis of Patients with Leprosy

Background: Leprosy poses a significant public health challenge in numerous low- to middle-income countries, with a consistent influx of new cases annually. The development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based method for directly detecting Mycobacterium leprae DNA in clinical samples has been introduced to enhance diagnostic support. Aim: This study aimed to assess the utility of a PCR-based technique for diagnosing leprosy and investigate the correlation between PCR-based diagnosis and clinical diagnosis. Patients and methods: An investigation was conducted on 50 clinically diagnosed leprosy cases. Each patient underwent comprehensive history-taking and a thorough clinical and dermatological examination. Results: The study revealed a higher percentage of female patients (56%) compared to male patients (44%), with a slight increase in the patients' average age (41 years). Among the participants, 24 had household contact. The qPCR results indicated a significant reduction in Mycobacterium leprae RNA levels after 6 months of treatment, particularly among patients with multibacillary and paucibacillary lesions. When comparing PCR outcomes between patients with multibacillary and paucibacillary lesions, those with paucibacillary lesions exhibited a higher clearance rate than those with multibacillary lesions. Conclusion: The findings underscored the positive impact of integrating qPCR into our clinic's routine, enhancing in individuals suspected of leprosy in individuals suspected of having the disease.