A Case of Lepromatous Leprosy: Role of Additional Special Stains in Diagnosis

Lepromatous leprosy, more commonly seen in endemic areas, is a severe multi-bacillary granulomatous infection of the skin and peripheral nerves, which leads to facial disfigurement and digital auto-amputation. Although treatable with multidrug therapy, diagnosis and early intervention remains of paramount importance. The bacilli are strongly positive with Fite special stain, and to this day this stain remains most widely used especially in areas that do not have access to PCR testing. Herein, we describe a case where the M. leprae bacilli were Fite positive but also very strongly GMS positive. This case highlights the value of using multiple special stains in diagnosis of leprosy.