The Ziehl-Neelsen method for the diagnosis of leprosy

Leprosy is still a worldwide public health problem. In Tunisia, it is rare. The authors report the case of a patient, 37 years of age, living in La So ukra (Northern suburb of Tunis) who has developed an inflammatory edema of hands and feet in 1996, which spread rapidly. 3 years before she had develo ped hypoesthesic skin lesions which lead to a suspected diagnosis of lepros y despite negative bacteriological tests. A direct examination of skin samp les for the Hansen bacillus was carried out again, and this time results we re positive, leading to a diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy. Investigation o n family was negative.