Author(s): Motta,Ana Carolina Fragoso ; Furini,Renata Bazan ; Simão,João Carlos Lopes ; Vieira,Mariana Bellini ; Ferreira,Maria Aparecida Nunes ; Komesu,Marilena Chinali ; Foss,Norma Tiraboschi
Date: 2011
Origin: Oasisbr
Subject(s): Leprosy reaction episodes; Oral infection; Inflammatory markers
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated whether leprosy reactions could be associated with oral infection. METHODS: Leprosy patients (n = 38) with (Group I) and without (Group II) oral infections were selected. Reactions were identified from the clinical and histopathological features associated with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and10kDa interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP-10) levels, determined before and after elimination of the foci of infection. RESULTS: Group I presented more reactions than group II did, and improvement of the reactions after dental treatment. Serum CRP and IP-10 did not differ before and after the dental treatment, but differed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral infection could be an exacerbating factor in leprosy reactions.
