Effectiveness of Slit Skin Smear Versus Fite-Faraco Staining on Histopathology as a Method of Diagnosis in Leprosy - a Retrospective Hospital-Based Study.

Introduction: Although the prevalence of leprosy has significantly decreased in India, it has been still not eradicated, therefore necessitating ongoing efforts to raise awareness for its control. Objectives: To determine the diagnostic utility of slit skin smear (SSS) and Fite-Faraco stain (FFS) techniques on histopathology of skin and nerve biopsies for the diagnosis of leprosy in a tertiary care center. Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on patients clinically suspected to have leprosy consulting in a tertiary care center in Gujarat, India, from January 2022 to December 2024. Statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Continuous variables were presented as mean and categorical variables as numbers and percentages (%). Comparative analysis between various parameters of test effectiveness by using FFS and SSS methods was done. Results: The age of leprosy cases ranged from 18 to 60 years, with a mean age of 35.2 years. Male to female ratio was 5.5 to 1. Histopathologically lepromatous leprosy (61.6%) and multibacillary type based on World Health Organisation (WHO) classification (77%) were the most common forms of leprosy. When comparing the efficacy of SSS and FFS techniques on tissue sections, FFS was found to be more effective than SSS. Conclusion: Sufficient knowledge and clinical expertise, along with effective diagnostic techniques, prompt symptom reporting and heightened social awareness to mitigate the stigma associated with the condition from the patient's perspective, can collectively advance the nation towards the goal of leprosy eradication.