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Laboratory Investigations in Leprosy

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Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer

Abstract

Clinical examination of localized skin lesions, thickened peripheral nerves, demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in slit-skin smear (SSS), and histopathology are the steps used for the diagnosis of leprosy. Classical techniques used to research are Ziehl-Neelsen staining in SSS or nasal swabs, Fite-Faraco staining of biopsy, and antibodies anti-PGLI; to these were added modern techniques of molecular biology. But whatever the technique used, a rule should not be forgotten: an accurate sampling produces a reliable result.

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Correspondence to Andrea Clapasson .

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Clapasson, A., Canata, S. (2022). Laboratory Investigations in Leprosy. In: Nunzi, E., Massone, C., Portaels, F. (eds) Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89704-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89704-8_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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