Leprosy

Overview

Leprosy is a disease caused by infection of Mycobacterium leprae. It is also known as Hansen's Disease named after the physician that identified the bacteria. Leprosy affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Given early treatment, Leprosy is mostly curable and deflect most disabilities.

Signs and Symptoms

Discolored patches of skin, usually flat, lighter than the skin around, Growths (nodules) on the skin, Thick or dry skin, Painless ulcers on the soles of feet, Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes, Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, Numbness of affected areas of the skin, Muscle weakness or paralysis, Enlarged nerves, Eye problems that may lead to blindness

Common Causes

Transmitted from infected people by respiratory droplet

Risk Factors

Immunocompromised individual, Living in a country where the disease is widespread e.g.: Ethiopia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brazil

Investigation Techniques

Cardinal sign of leprosy through physical examination, Slit skin smear/typical histology in a skin biopsy: to find acid fast bacilli

Treatment and Prevention

Stop the infection with chemotherapy: Rifampicin, dapsone, clofazamine, fluoroquinolones, pefloxacin, ofloxacin, clarithromycin, Treat the reactions: prednisolone, Educate patient about leprosy: after 3 days of chemotherapy, they are not infectious, Prevent disability, Support the patient socially and psychologically, BCG vaccination has been shown to give as prevention,