Mycobacterium leprae on Palatine Tonsils and Adenoids of Asymptomatic Patients, Brazil

Abstract

We investigated palatine tonsil and adenoid specimens excised from otorhinolaryngological patients in a leprosy-endemic region of Brazil. Fite-Faraco staining identified Mycobacterium spp. in 9 of 397 specimen blocks. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, indicating that these organs can house M. leprae in persons inhabiting a leprosy-endemic region.

Keywords

• adenoids
• immunohistochemistry
• infection
• leprosy
• Mycobacterium leprae
• palatine tonsils