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Lepromin skin test

Leprosy skin test; Hansen disease - skin test

 

The lepromin skin test is used to determine what type of leprosy a person has.

How the Test is Performed

 

A sample of inactivated (unable to cause infection) leprosy-causing bacteria is injected just under the skin, often on the forearm, so that a small lump pushes the skin up. The lump indicates that the antigen has been injected at the correct depth.

The injection site is labeled and examined 3 days, and again 28 days later to see if there is a reaction.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

People with dermatitis or other skin irritations should have the test performed on an unaffected part of the body.

If your child is to have this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even demonstrate on a doll. Explain the reason for the test. Knowing the "how and why" may reduce the anxiety your child feels.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the antigen is injected, there may be a slight stinging or burning. There may also be mild itching at the site of injection afterward.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Leprosy is a chronic and potentially disfiguring infection if left untreated. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria.

This test is a research tool that helps classify the different types of leprosy. It is not recommended as the main method to diagnose leprosy.

 

Normal Results

 

People who don't have leprosy will have little or no skin reaction to the antigen. People with a particular type of leprosy called lepromatous leprosy will also have no skin reaction to the antigen.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

A positive skin reaction may be seen in people with specific forms of leprosy, such as tuberculoid and borderline tuberculoid leprosy. People with lepromatous leprosy will not have a positive skin reaction.

 

Risks

 

There is a very small risk for an allergic reaction, which may include itching and rarely, hives .

 

 

References

Renault CA, Ernst JD. Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 252.

Walker SL, Withington SG, Lockwood DNJ. Leprosy. In: Farrar J, Hotez PJ, Junghanss T, Kang G, Lalloo D, White NJ, eds. Manson's Tropical Diseases . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 41.

 
  • Antigen injection - illustration

    Leprosy is caused by the organism Mycobacterium leprae. The leprosy test involves injection of an antigen just under the skin to determine if your body has a current or recent leprosy infection. The injection site is labeled and examined 3 days and 28 days later to see if there is a reaction. Mycobacterium leprae

    Antigen injection

    illustration

    • Antigen injection - illustration

      Leprosy is caused by the organism Mycobacterium leprae. The leprosy test involves injection of an antigen just under the skin to determine if your body has a current or recent leprosy infection. The injection site is labeled and examined 3 days and 28 days later to see if there is a reaction. Mycobacterium leprae

      Antigen injection

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Lepromin skin test

           

           

          Review Date: 9/10/2015

          Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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