🔍 What is the Lepra Stain Test?
The Lepra Stain Test is a microscopic staining technique used to detect Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria responsible for leprosy (Hansen’s disease). This test is performed on skin smears, nasal secretions, or tissue samples using Ziehl-Neelsen (Acid-Fast) or Fite-Faraco staining methods to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB).
🎯 Purpose of the Test
Diagnose leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
Differentiate leprosy from other skin diseases
Determine bacterial load & severity of infection
Monitor treatment response in leprosy patients
📊 Normal Ranges & Result Interpretation
✅ Negative: No acid-fast bacilli detected → No active infection
🔺 Positive: Acid-fast bacilli present → Confirms leprosy infection
Bacterial Index (BI) Scale: (Measures bacterial load in smear)
0: No bacilli found (negative)
1+ to 6+: Increasing bacterial presence (higher severity)
⚠️ Conditions Diagnosed by Lepra Stain Test
Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) (High bacterial load, multiple lesions)
Tuberculoid Leprosy (TT) (Low bacterial load, few lesions)
Borderline Leprosy (BT, BB, BL) (Varying bacterial count & symptoms)
📝 Additional Testing May Include:
Skin Biopsy & Histopathology
Lepromin Skin Test (for immune response evaluation)
PCR Test for Mycobacterium leprae DNA
👩‍⚕️ When Should You Get Tested?
Skin lesions with loss of sensation
Nerve thickening, numbness, or muscle weakness
Unexplained chronic skin patches, nodules, or ulcers
Close contact with confirmed leprosy cases