Intact Mycobacterium leprae Isolated from Placenta of a Pregnant Woman, China

Abstract

Whether Mycobacterium leprae transmits from placenta to fetus remains unknown. We describe the case of a pregnant woman with untreated histoid leproma. Although her newborn was healthy, laboratory examination revealed intact M. leprae present in the placenta, suggesting that the placental barrier might prevent vertical dissemination of M. leprae.

Keywords: China; Mycobacterium leprae; placental barrier; pregnant woman; tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

Figure

Clinical features of Mycobacterium leprae infection in pregnant woman and pathologic characteristics of a biopsy and placenta samples, China, December 2017. A, B) multiple brown papules and firm nodules on the woman’s trunk and face and ichththyosis presentation on the anterior tibia. C, D) Testing of biopsy sample from the face demonstrates subepidermal clear zone, nodular proliferation of spindle-shaped histiocytes in the dermis. Hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification ×10 (C) and ×40 (D). E) Numerous acid-fast bacilli in dermis (arrows). Acid-fast stain; original magnification ×100. F) Intact rod-shaped M. leprae from placenta homogenate; inset shows larger view. Acid-fast stain, original magnification ×100.