Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a chronic infectious disease caused by a Mycobacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) affecting especially the skin and marginal nerves. It is characterized by the formation of nodules or macules that enlarge and spread with loss of sensation and eventually paralysis, wasting of muscle, and production of deformities called also Hansen's disease. This infection is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It is primarily a granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, skin lesions are the primary external sign. If left untreated, leprosy can be progressive, causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
References: www.cdc.gov
www.who.int
Treatment regime by WHO
Global situation
Leprosy eradication programme in India
The disease has following symptoms:
Reference: www.cdc.gov
Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis are the causative agents of leprosy. Mycobacterium can spread from person to person. This might happen when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. This can release droplets into the air. It might also happen if somebody is exposed to other nasal fluids (also known as secretions) that might be contaminated with the bacteria.
Risk factors: Those living in endemic areas with poor conditions such as:
Reference: www.cdc.gov
Diagnosis of leprosy is most commonly based on the clinical signs and symptoms.
Lepromin test:
If one suspects leprosy. He/she should visit to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Reference: www.who.int
A number of leprostatic agents are available for treatment. Multi drug therapy (MDT) as recommended by WHO:
Multibacillary (MB) leprosy For adults the standard regimen is:
Duration= 12 months.
Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy : For adults the standard regimen is:
Duration= six months
Single Skin Lesion Paucibacillary leprosy : For adults the standard regimen is a single dose of:
If one suspects leprosy. He/she should visit to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
References: www.cdc.gov
www.who.int
The BCG vaccine offers a variable amount of protection against leprosy in addition to tuberculosis . This vaccine appears to be about 25% effective with two doses working better than one. Development of a more effective vaccine is still going on.