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ALL / Infectious Diseases
Leprosy
Leprosy
Leprosy is a granulomatous disease primarily affecting the peripheral nerves and skin. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.Features
- patches of hypopigmented skin typically affecting the buttocks, face, and extensor surfaces of limbs
- sensory loss
The degree of cell mediated immunity determines the type of leprosy a patient will develop.
Low degree of cell mediated immunity → lepromatous leprosy ('multibacillary')
- extensive skin involvement
- symmetrical nerve involvement
High degree of cell mediated immunity → tuberculoid leprosy ('paucibacillary')
- limited skin disease
- asymmetric nerve involvement → hypesthesia
- hair loss
Management
- WHO-recommended triple therapy: rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine
+PassMedicine Notes
Leprosy is a granulomatous disease primarily affecting the peripheral nerves and skin. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
Features- patches of hypopigmented skin typically affecting the buttocks, face, and extensor surfaces of limbs
- sensory loss
The degree of cell mediated immunity determines the type of leprosy a patient will develop.
Low degree of cell mediated immunity --> lepromatous leprosy ('multibacillary')- extensive skin involvement
- symmetrical nerve involvement
- limited skin disease
- asymmetric nerve involvement --> hypesthesia
- hair loss
- WHO-recommended triple therapy: rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine
