Leprosy affects around 200,000 people every year globally despite being a rare tropical disease. Mycobacterium leprae is the primary agent of leprosy, commonly referred to as Hansen disease, a chronic infectious disease. It impacts the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and the eyes. 

Apart from the disabilities, leprosy patients also face shame and discrimination. However, leprosy is curable, and early treatment can prevent it. Medical students must thoroughly understand the concept of leprosy, including its types, causes, symptoms, and treatments, to excel in the NEET PG exam. 

What is Leprosy? 

An infectious condition that damages nerves in the limbs, legs, and other parts of the body and creates painful, deformable skin sores, it has existed since ancient times.

However, leprosy is not too contagious. Only if you repeatedly and closely come into contact with the mouth and nose droplets of an untreated leprosy patient, then you acquire it. Leprosy is more common in children than in adults.

Types of Leprosy 

There are 3 main leprosy types, including:

1. Tuberculoid Leprosy: This form of leprosy is milder, characterised by only a few skin lesions and minimal symptoms. It occurs due to a strong immune response, which helps limit bacterial growth and nerve damage. Tuberculoid leprosy is less contagious compared to other forms.

2. Lepromatous Leprosy: This severe form of leprosy leads to widespread sores, ulcers, and thickened skin, affecting not only the skin but also internal organs and nerves.

 It is more contagious due to the body’s weaker immune response, allowing the bacteria to multiply extensively. If left untreated, it can cause significant nerve damage, muscle weakness, and deformities.

3. Borderline Leprosy: The symptoms of this kind of leprosy vary and show traits of both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy. Patients may develop nerve damage, numbness, and skin sores. 

Depending on their immune system, this disease may progress towards either of the 2 kinds. Close observation and early treatment are necessary to stop the development of borderline leprosy.

Causes of Leprosy 

This chronic condition mostly affects the nerves and skin. The causes of leprosy are as follows:

• Close contact: The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth. 
• Genetic Predisposition: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get affected by leprosy. 
• Environmental Factors: Living conditions and other environmental variables may contribute to the spread of the bacteria in particular areas.
• Age: Older people are more likely to get attacked by leprosy

Symptoms of Leprosy

The main or early symptoms of leprosy disease are as follows:

• Red spots on the skin or areas where the pigmentation has faded
• Hands, feet, arms, and legs may feel numb or tingly
• Burns or cuts on the hands 
• Weakening of the muscles
• Peripheral nerves are enlarged
• Absence of eyebrows or eyelashes
• Bleeding nose

When the disease is in the advanced stages, it can cause:

• Paralysis
• Vision loss
• Permanent damage to the hands and feet
• Shortening of the fingers and toes
• Constant, non-resolving sores on the bottoms of the feet.

Therefore, leprosy symptoms do not show up for three to five years after contracting Mycobacterium leprae. In certain situations, it may take up to 20 years. Because of this, it is challenging for medical professionals to pinpoint the exact time and location of the infection.

 Treatment Options for Leprosy

The treatment plan depends on the type of leprosy a patient has. Doctors recommend long-term care, usually lasting six months to a year. If the leprosy is severe, the patient may need to take antibiotics for a longer time.

Antibiotic combinations known as multidrug therapy (MDT) are commonly used to treat leprosy. This suggests taking two or more medications, typically antibiotics:

• For Paucibacillary Leprosy: A patient will take two antibiotics, such as rifampicin once a month and dapsone daily.
• For Multibacillary Leprosy: A patient takes clofazimine daily, dapsone daily, and rifampicin monthly. After a year or two of multidrug therapy, the disease will resolve.

Therefore, anti-inflammatory medications, including steroids like prednisone, can help manage nerve injury and discomfort. Leprosy is a curable disease, and over the past two decades, 16 million people have successfully recovered. The World Health Organization provides free treatment for all individuals affected by leprosy.

FAQs about Leprosy

1. How does leprosy spread?

Leprosy spreads through prolonged close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. 

2. Can leprosy be cured?

Yes, leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT), which includes antibiotics like dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. 

3. Who is at risk of leprosy?

People with weakened immunity, those who live in endemic areas, and those who have close contact with untreated patients are prone to disease.

4. Can leprosy cause disabilities?

If left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent nerve damage, leading to deformities, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness.

5. How can leprosy be prevented?

Early diagnosis, treatment of affected individuals, and improved hygiene can help prevent the spread of leprosy. Some research suggests the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine can offer partial protection.

Conclusion 

Mycobacterium leprae is the underlying cause of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, a chronic infectious disease. Seeking appropriate medical care and maintaining good hygiene will help prevent its spread and reduce discrimination against individuals affected. If you are a medical student, DocTutorials offers many resources, including in-depth video lectures, comprehensive question banks, test series, expert guidance, and more. Explore DocTutorials’ courses to excel in your NEET PG exam.