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Laboratory Investigations

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Leprosy

Abstract

Clinical examination of the skin lesions, thickened peripheral nerves, demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in slit-skin smear (SSS), and histopathology are the steps used for diagnosis of leprosy. Classical techniques used in research include Ziehl–Neelsen staining in SSS or nasal swab, Fite–Faraco staining of biopsy, and anti-phenolic glycolipid I (PGLI) antibodies, to which have been added modern techniques from molecular biology. However, whichever technique is used, the rule that only accurate sampling produces a reliable result should not be forgotten.

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Correspondence to Andrea Clapasson .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Clapasson, A., Canata, S. (2012). Laboratory Investigations. In: Nunzi, E., Massone, C. (eds) Leprosy. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2376-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2376-5_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2375-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2376-5

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