In the histopathological classification of leprosy, Virchow cells (lepra cells) are foamy macrophages packed with bacilli seen in which type of leprosy?
- A Tuberculoid leprosy (TT)
- B Borderline tuberculoid (BT)
- C Lepromatous leprosy (LL) ✓
- D Pure neural leprosy
Correct answer: C. Lepromatous leprosy (LL)
Explanation
Lepromatous leprosy is the multibacillary pole of the leprosy spectrum with defective cell-mediated immunity. Histopathology shows sheets of foamy macrophages (Virchow cells or lepra cells) loaded with M. leprae (Wade-Fite stain shows numerous acid-fast bacilli in packets called globi). Tuberculoid leprosy shows well-formed epithelioid cell granulomas with few or no bacilli (paucibacillary). Pure neural leprosy is a clinically distinct form without skin lesions.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
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