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The bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae can enter the host body through the skin and upper respiratory tract.
The bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae can enter the host body through the skin and upper respiratory tract.
True
In the W.H.O classification of leprosy, Multibacillary type involves the presence of no more than one nerve trunk with a maximum of 5 skin lesions.
In the W.H.O classification of leprosy, Multibacillary type involves the presence of no more than one nerve trunk with a maximum of 5 skin lesions.
False
Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae, which primarily affects the heart and lungs.
Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae, which primarily affects the heart and lungs.
False
Leprosy has a variable incubation period ranging from a few weeks to a maximum of 10-40 years.
Leprosy has a variable incubation period ranging from a few weeks to a maximum of 10-40 years.
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Leprosy is classified into three main types: Tuberculoid, Lepromatous, and Borderline.
Leprosy is classified into three main types: Tuberculoid, Lepromatous, and Borderline.
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Leprosy bacteria have a preference for warmer body areas such as the chest and abdomen.
Leprosy bacteria have a preference for warmer body areas such as the chest and abdomen.
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Skin patches associated with leprosy always present with some loss of sensation.
Skin patches associated with leprosy always present with some loss of sensation.
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A characteristic symptom of early-stage leprosy is the loss of digits.
A characteristic symptom of early-stage leprosy is the loss of digits.
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Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for preventing leprosy in healthy household contacts of infected individuals.
Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for preventing leprosy in healthy household contacts of infected individuals.
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Infection with leprosy can lead to paralysis and disfiguration of the face as complications.
Infection with leprosy can lead to paralysis and disfiguration of the face as complications.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Leprosy
- Chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leading to skin lesions and nerve damage.
- Results in loss of sensation, increasing risk of injury and infection.
- One of the oldest known diseases.
Sources of Infection
- Primary source: infected individuals.
- Transmission occurs through nasal discharge, skin lesions, and close contact with untreated patients.
- Bacteria enter the body via skin and upper respiratory tract, localizing in skin, peripheral nerves, and nasal mucosa.
- Targets Schwann cells in peripheral nerves, causing nerve damage and disability.
- Long incubation period ranging from weeks to 10-40 years.
- Affinity for cooler areas like nasal mucosa, eye chambers, ear lobes, cartilages, and testes.
Classification of Leprosy
-
WHO Classification:
- Paucibacillary: Involves no or 1 nerve trunk and a maximum of 5 skin lesions.
- Multibacillary: Involves more than 1 nerve trunk and over 5 skin lesions.
-
Ridley & Jopling Classification: Based on clinical and histological findings, categorized into five types:
- Tuberculoid (TT)
- Borderline tuberculoid (BT)
- Borderline (BB)
- Borderline lepromatous (BL)
- Lepromatous (LL)
What is Not Leprosy
- Damage due to non-infectious reasons: injuries, burns, birth defects, or other diseases (e.g., arthritis).
- Skin patches that are present from birth, typically normal in sensation, may vary in color.
- Symptoms such as scaling skin patches that rapidly appear and disappear.
Clinical Features/Symptoms
- Immune status affects the clinical presentation over the course of the disease.
- Early stage symptoms include:
- Hypopigmentation and skin lesions.
- Sensory loss at skin lesions and digits.
- Thickened nerves.
- Late stage symptoms include:
- Trophic ulcers, foot drop, and claw toes.
- Loss of digits, muscle weakness, and dry scalp.
- Nasal bridge collapse and limb deformities.
- Other complications include blindness, hair loss, infertility, kidney failure, and erectile dysfunction.
Complications
- Risk of drop wrist, muscle weakness, paralysis, and facial disfigurement.
Management
- Treatment involves multi-drug therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
- Patient counseling and surgical interventions may be necessary.
- Focus on sensory care.
Prevention
- Early diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals.
- BCG vaccination for infants in endemic regions.
- Chemoprophylaxis offered to healthy household contacts.
Diagnosis
- Methods include:
- Skin slit smear.
- Lepromin test.
- Skin biopsy.
- M. leprae DNA PCR for detection of the leprosy organism.
Care for Leprosy Complications
- Use protective materials (thick cloth, gloves) to prevent injury when handling hot objects.
- Employ tools with wooden or rubber grips and wear appropriate footwear.
- Self-care practices involve inspecting and maintaining skin integrity, treating wounds promptly, and reporting infections to a physician for management.
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Description
This quiz explores the chronic infectious disease leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It covers its transmission, sources of infection, and WHO classification. Gain a deeper understanding of how leprosy affects the body and its long history as one of the oldest diseases known.
