Pathology of the peripheral nerves in leprosy: report of a case

Abstract

SUMMARY Peripheral nerve trunks were examined from a case of lepromatous leprosy. M. keprae was seen in the nerves in several types of cells. Isolated nerve fibre preparations showed demyelinating lesions due to Schwann cell damage and complete nerve fibre degeneration. The causes of this mixed pattern of damage may involve both a direct effect of the bacilli on nerve fibres and various epiphenomena.

Neurofibromatosis and leprosy

“…The idea of selective involvement of the Schwann cell by M. leprae receives added support from the findings of Job and Desikan (1968) in which stains for myelin show significantly greater demyelinization than axonal destruction in nerves from lepromatous leprosy. Recently, Dayan and Sandbank (1970) (Fig. 1A).…”

“…The idea of selective involvement of the Schwann cell by M. leprae receives added support from the findings of Job and Desikan (1968) in which stains for myelin show significantly greater demyelinization than axonal destruction in nerves from lepromatous leprosy. Recently, Dayan and Sandbank (1970) to the presence of M. leprae would be additional evidence for the importance of the Schwann cell in leprosy and also be helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of nerve involvement in this disease. Johansen and McCreary reported a patient with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis and lepromatous leprosy in 1936.…”