Question 1

Q: With reference to lepromin test, which one of the following statements is correct?

Lepromin test is strongly positive in tuberculoid leprosy. ***Lepromin test is strongly positive in tuberculoid leprosy*** - In **tuberculoid leprosy**, the immune system mounts a strong cell-mediated response against *Mycobacterium leprae*, leading to a strongly positive lepromin reaction. - A positive lepromin test indicates a good host immune response and is associated with the **paucibacillary** forms of the disease. *It can be used as a diagnostic test* - The lepromin test is not a diagnostic tool for leprosy; it primarily assesses the host's **cell-mediated immunity** to *Mycobacterium leprae* antigens. - Diagnosis of leprosy relies on **clinical signs**, **skin smears** for acid-fast bacilli, and histopathological examination, not the lepromin test. *Its interpretation is done within 24 hours* - The lepromin test interpretation involves two phases: the **Fernandez reaction** (early reaction at 24-48 hours) and the **Mitsuda reaction** (late reaction at 3-4 weeks). - The most significant and commonly referred result, the **Mitsuda reaction**, is read at **3 to 4 weeks** after injection. *It is not affected by BCG vaccine* - The **BCG vaccine**, which is used to prevent tuberculosis, can induce some cross-reactivity and lead to a positive lepromin test in individuals who have received it. - This cross-reactivity can sometimes confound the interpretation of the lepromin test, as both mycobacteria share common antigens. [Practice more Dermatology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question

With reference to lepromin test, which one of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Lepromin test is strongly positive in tuberculoid leprosy

Answer

It can be used as a diagnostic test

Answer

Its interpretation is done within 24 hours

Answer

It is not affected by BCG vaccine

UPSC-CMS 2009 — Dermatology