A nine-year clinico-epidemiological study of Histoid Hansen in India

Authors

  • Vibhu Mendiratta Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
  • Arpita Jain Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
  • Ram Chander Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
  • Anamita Khan Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
  • Meenu Barara Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.1190

Keywords:

Histoid Hansen, leprosy, epidemiology, India

Abstract

Introduction: Histoid Hansen is rare but a well-defined entity with specific clinical, histopathological, and bacteriological features. The incidence has been reported to vary from 1-2% amongst total leprosy patients.

Methodology:  We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of patients identified as histoid Hansen on the basis of clinico-histopathological criteria, who attended the Hansen clinic from 2000-2009.

Results: A total of 962 leprosy patients attended the Hansen clinic from 2000-2009, and of these, 11 (1.14%) were diagnosed as histoid Hansen. The youngest patient on record was 14 years of age. Nearly 70% of the patients were untreated and the rest were on multidrug therapy (MDT) before development of histoid lesions. Three patients showed Erythema nodusum leposum (ENL) reaction.

Conclusion: India has achieved elimination of leprosy, but new cases of histoid are still recorded with the same incidence rate. Reactions are not uncommon in such forms, and may be a transition phase to manifest lepromatous leprosy. A thorough knowledge and early detection is needed for this uncommon variant of leprosy which can pose a threat to our elimination drive. 

Author Biographies

Vibhu Mendiratta, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Professor

Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy

Lady Hardinge Medical College

Arpita Jain, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Senior Resident

Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy

Lady Hardinge Medical College

Ram Chander, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Professor

Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy

Lady Hardinge Medical College

Anamita Khan, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Senior Resident

Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy

Lady Hardinge Medical College

Meenu Barara, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Junior Resident

Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy

Lady Hardinge Medical College

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Published

2011-03-02

How to Cite

1.
Mendiratta V, Jain A, Chander R, Khan A, Barara M (2011) A nine-year clinico-epidemiological study of Histoid Hansen in India. J Infect Dev Ctries 5:128–131. doi: 10.3855/jidc.1190

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Section

Brief Original Articles