Are leprosy reactions autoinflammatory diseases?

There are two types of leprosy reactions: reversal reactions or type 1 and erythema nodosum leprosum or type 2. Deformity and disability associated with leprosy are frequently the result of uncontrolled or untreated reactions. Although there is current availability of glucocorticoids as the mainstay of therapy, much needs to be learned about the etiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of leprosy reactions. There is some evidence that leprosy reactions may represent, particularly, erythema nodosum leprosum autoinflammatory disease due to the aberrant activation of the innate immune system. The role for herpesviruses influencing autophagy in macrophages needs to be evaluated in the pathogenesis of leprosy reactions.

Prevalence of untreated schistosomiasis among Sudanese refugees: "The Lost Boys of Sudan" in the United States

Background. The increase in global travelling also brings infections from endemic to non-endemic regions where diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. Methods. From 2005 to 2008, 104 Sudanese refugees were evaluated to determine the prevalence of untreated schistosomiasis at the Tropical Medicine Clinic at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Sera from 87 patients were screened using FAST-ELISA and antigen-specific immunoblots. Results. Of the 87 patients screened, 44.8% were positive for schistosomiasis antibodies, including Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Conclusion. Our study emphasizes the need for single-dose presumptive treatment of praziquantel among sub-Saharan refugees and long-term travelers.