Everything You Need to Know About the Disease
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. It affects the skin, nerves, eyes, and mucous membranes. There are two types of leprosy: tuberculoid (TT) and lepromatous (LL). TT is characterized by the formation of small nodules called papules, while LL is characterized by thickened skin and loss of sensation. Both forms cause damage to nerve cells and result in deformities if left untreated. People with this condition often suffer from physical disabilities, including deformities, blindness, deafness, and impaired mobility. Because of these impairments, people with them are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Today, it affects approximately 200,000 people worldwide.
It was first described in ancient times, however, it wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists began to realize how widespread leprosy was. In 1873, Dr. Robert Koch discovered the disease-causing bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. By 1905, Dr. Howard Taylor Ricketts developed a vaccine using killed bacteria. Today, there are many different types of treatment options for this disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends multi-drug therapy (MDT), which consists of two antibiotics and a steroid. MDT is considered the current standard of care. Other treatments include single antibiotic therapy and multidrug therapy (MDT).
There are five major forms of leprosy: tuberculoid, borderline, dimorphous, polar, and lepromatous. Tuberculoid leprosy occurs when the body’s immune system successfully fights off the bacteria, resulting in few or no symptoms. Borderline leprosy is characterized by mild inflammation of nerve endings. Dimorphous leprosy refers to a combination of both tuberculoid and borderline leprosy. Polar leprosy is characterized as a severe case of tuberculoid leprosy. Lepromatous leprosy is characterized by extensive damage to nerves.
It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacteriumleprae. M.leprae is spread via droplet infection, which means that people who have the disease can infect others even if they do not look sick. Most cases of this condition occur in underdeveloped countries where hygiene practices are poor. However, people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, malnutrition, and other conditions may be at greater risk for developing it. People born with defects in their immune systems, including those with Down syndrome, are also susceptible to developing this condition.
Symptoms of Leprosy
Symptoms of leprosy may develop gradually over time. These symptoms vary depending on where they occur in the body. The following list describes some of the most common symptoms of Hansen’s disease. However, each person’s symptoms may differ.
- Skin lesions (ulcers) – Ulceration occurs when skin cells die off due to trauma or illness. Ulcers may take many forms including pustules, papules, nodules, vesicles, or even sores.
- Nerve damage – Nerves are damaged if nerves become inflamed, swollen, or irritated.
- Joint inflammation – Inflammation occurs when joints swell and become painful. People who have joint inflammation often feel stiff and sore.
- Eye problems – Vision changes may occur. Common eye conditions include blurred vision, double vision, or blindness.
- Weak immune system – A weak immune system makes people vulnerable to infections.
- Muscle wasting – Muscles weaken and atrophy if they don’t receive enough nourishment.
- Fatigue – Fatigue occurs when muscles do not get enough rest.
- Fever – Body temperature rises above normal levels.
- Loss of appetite – Appetite decreases if food intake becomes inadequate.
- Weight loss – Weight loss occurs if people lose muscle mass.
Treatment of Leprosy
Treatment includes multidrug therapy (MDT), antibiotics, steroids, and surgery. MDT consists of four drugs; rifampin, clofazimine, dapsone, and sulfonamide. Rifampin is the only drug that kills bacteria.
The treatment for tuberculoid leprosy includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients should avoid using alcohol while taking medication. Additionally, they should take vitamin B complex and zinc supplements daily.
If patients do not receive proper medical care, their condition could worsen over time. As a result, they may develop severe deformities, including clawed fingers, toes, and nose, and facial disfigurement.
Lepromatous leprosy occurs when M. lepra e bacteria multiply and destroy the body’s immune system. When this happens, the body cannot fight off infections and bacterial toxins build up in the bloodstream causing damage to the eyes, ears, heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
In addition to the above symptoms, lepromatous Hansen’s disease causes the body to produce excessive amounts of antibodies. Antibodies attack the body’s organs and tissues, causing swelling and scarring. The resulting deformities include bony enlargement, joint destruction, and ulcers.
Patients suffering from lepromatous leprosy have difficulty walking and may experience extreme fatigue. Additionally, they may suffer from weight loss, fever, night sweats, and diarrhea.
MDT is effective at curing the majority of cases. However, if patients fail to complete the full course of medications, the bacteria may return. Therefore, Only a physician should administer MDT.
To prevent the spread of this disease, individuals should wash their hands frequently and wear gloves when working around others. People who live in close contact with someone diagnosed with leprosy should seek out testing and treatment immediately.
The Final Takeaway,
What Is Leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection happens by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. There are two types of Hansen’s disease: tuberculoid (TT) and lepromatous (LL). Tuberculoid leprosy causes skin lesions and nerve damage. In contrast, lepromatous leprosy causes widespread skin damage and severe deformities. Both forms of Hansen’s disease present similar symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain. However, only TT Hansen’s disease responds well to treatment. If left untreated, LL leprosy may lead to permanent disability.
How Does It Spread?
The M. leprae bacterium spreads via aerosols created by sneezing or coughing, direct contact with mucus membranes, and insect bites. Exposure to bad environments puts a person at risk of contracting leprosy.
Who Gets Leprosy?
People infected with M. lepraemurium are at increased risk of developing it. Other risk factors include poverty, malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and being older than 30 years old.
What Are the Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Leprosy?
Symptoms of Hansen’s disease vary depending on the type of disease. Early-stage TT leprosy presents with small bumps on the skin called papules. These bumps eventually turn red, then become scaly and thickened. As the disease progresses, these bumps spread over the body, causing nerves to swell and ulcerate. Nerve damage results in numbness and tingling sensations. A person with early-stage TT leprosy may not experience any symptoms. Later-stage TT leprosy often shows signs of nerve damage, resulting in paralysis and deformity. LL leprosy presents with sores and painful nodules on the face, hands, feet, and legs. Skin lesions tend to worsen over time.
What Happens if I Get Leprosy?
If you contract this disease, you might develop physical disabilities and suffer mental trauma. You could lose your sense of smell, taste, and touch; cause permanent nerve damage, and even die.
Is Leprosy Preventable?
There is no known cure for this condition. Prevention involves washing your hands frequently, avoiding people who have open sores, and staying away from places where you might get sick. You should also avoid sharing personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes.
