Study of finger print patterns in leprosy

Finger print patterns of 150 male leprosy patients (100 paucibacillary and 50 multibacillary leprosy) were compared with 50 matched controls. Significant differences were found in finger print patterns of multibacillary leprosy patients and controls. No differences in dermatoglyphic patterns were observed between paucibacillary leprosy and controls. The total finger ridge count (TFRC) in both types of leprosy was slightly lower than controls. A significant difference in individual finger ridge count on digit 1 of right hand was noted in paucibacillary leprosy cases as compared to controls.