Genetic studies on the different types of leprosy

ABSTRACT

A total number of 150 patients with different types of leprosy 48 lepromatous, 50 indeterminate and 52 tuberculoid type was used and compared with a similar number of normal controls. For all, complete clinical examination, pedigree chart and palmar and digital dermatoglyphics were done. The results revealed positive family history of affection and consanguinity more in lepromatous than in tuberculoid and indeterminate types. Dermatoglyphic configurations on finger tips showed that lepromatous type had a marked frequent whorls specially in right IV and left II digits. Tuberculoid leprosy had common ulnar loop specially in left III and V and in right and left I digits. Indeterminate type had frequent whorls in right and left II and IV digits and a frequent ulnar loop in right and left I, III and V digits. Dermatoglyphic genetic traits revealed significant increase in T.F.R.C. in the indeterminate type and the atd angle in tuberculoid type. Moreover, the results proved that the frequency of abnormal palmar flexion creases was higher in lepromatous and indeterminate types of leprosy. All these findings may predispose a possible hereditary basis for tendency of affection with leprosy specially in lepromatous and the indeterminate types