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Bacterial Leprosy

Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, nerves, and mucosa, leading to severe disfigurement if untreated. The disease is transmitted through prolonged contact with infected individuals and has a long incubation period, with symptoms including skin lesions, numbness, and muscle weakness. Preventive measures include early detection, treatment with multidrug therapy, and health education to reduce stigma.

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6 views2 pages

Bacterial Leprosy

Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, nerves, and mucosa, leading to severe disfigurement if untreated. The disease is transmitted through prolonged contact with infected individuals and has a long incubation period, with symptoms including skin lesions, numbness, and muscle weakness. Preventive measures include early detection, treatment with multidrug therapy, and health education to reduce stigma.

Uploaded by

samlastimosa36
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Definition of the Disease

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is a chronic infectious disease


caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves,
mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Leprosy is known for causing
skin lesions, nerve damage, and if untreated, it can lead to severe disfigurement
and disability.

Other Terms:

 Hansen’s Disease
 Mycobacterial Neuropathy

Epidemiologic Triad:

 Agent: Mycobacterium leprae


 Host: Humans (especially those with genetic susceptibility and low
immunity)
 Environment: Overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation,
tropical/subtropical climates

2. Disease Elements

 Causative Agent: Mycobacterium leprae


 Susceptible Host: Individuals with prolonged close contact with untreated
persons, low immunity, or genetic predisposition
 Portal of Entry: Nasal mucosa or broken skin
 Portal of Exit: Nasal secretions, skin lesions in untreated multibacillary
cases
 Reservoir Host: Humans (primarily); armadillos (in some regions)
 Mode of Transmission: Prolonged person-to-person contact, primarily
through nasal droplets or close skin contact

3. Stages of the Disease

A. From Exposure to Recovery:

1. Incubation Period: 6 months to 20 years (average: 5 years)


2. Early Infection: Asymptomatic or subtle signs
3. Onset of Symptoms: Hypopigmented or reddish skin patches, numbness
4. Progression: Nerve thickening, loss of sensation, muscle weakness
5. Chronic/Advanced Stage: Ulcerations, deformities of limbs and face
6. Recovery (if treated): Symptom resolution, nerve damage may be
permanent

B. Signs and Symptoms:

 Pale or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation


 Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
 Thickened peripheral nerves
 Weakness of muscles (especially hands and feet)
 Ulcers on soles of feet
 Eye damage leading to blindness (in severe cases)
 Facial disfigurement (e.g., collapsed nose bridge)

4. Diagnostics

Clinical Observations:

 Skin lesions that do not heal


 Loss of sensation in skin patches
 Thickened nerves
 Muscle weakness or clawed hands

Laboratory Diagnostic Techniques:

 Slit Skin Smear Test: Detects acid-fast bacilli under a microscope


 Skin Biopsy: Histopathological analysis of skin lesion
 Lepromin Skin Test: Determines type of leprosy (not diagnostic)
 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detects M. leprae DNA (in advanced
labs)
 Serologic Tests: Research-based, not commonly used in clinical settings

5. Preventive and Control Measures

Prevention:

 Early detection and treatment of cases


 Routine surveillance in endemic areas
 Health education and reducing stigma
 BCG vaccine offers partial protection
 Screening of household contacts

Control Strategies:

 Multidrug Therapy (MDT): WHO-recommended free treatment:


o Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy: 6 months of Rifampicin + Dapsone
o Multibacillary (MB) leprosy: 12 months of Rifampicin + Dapsone +
Clofazimine
 Avoid prolonged close contact with untreated individuals
 Improve hygiene and living conditions

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