Transepidermal elimination of Mycobacterium leprae in histoid leprosy: A case report suggesting possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission

An Indian patient of histoid leprosy presenting de novo, having numerous solid staining bacilli inside the intact epidermis and eliminating bacilli from the intact and the eroded epidermis, is reported. The diagnosis, suggested by the clinical features, was confirmed histopathologically. This unusual report indicates possible participation of skin in leprosy transmission.