What is Leprosy Disease?
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD) or Hanseniasis, is a long-term infectious disease caused by the slow-growing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. It is characterized by the formation of lesions, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. While it was historically feared and misunderstood, today leprosy is known to be treatable with antibiotics.
Leprosy spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, it is not highly contagious and requires prolonged, close contact with an untreated person to spread.
Characteristics of the Leprosy Causing Bacteria
Incubation Period
- These bacteria have a slow growth rate and can take up to 20 years to manifest symptoms in infected individuals.
Contagiousness and Treatment
- Leprosy is not highly contagious.
- Early diagnosis and management can lead to a cure.
- While transmission to others is less likely, extensive contact with an infected person can facilitate transmission.
Affected Body Systems
- Leprosy primarily impacts various body systems, including the peripheral nervous system, skin, eyes, and other tissues, such as the reticuloendothelial system, bones and joints, mucous membranes, muscles, testes, and adrenals.
Global Distribution
- Commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Prevalent in areas such as Asia, Africa, Central and South America, some Pacific countries, and a few areas of the USA.
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Get A Second OpinionTypes of Leprosy
Tuberculoid Hansen's Disease
- The immune system is strong in this type.
- This disease type only has a few lesions, and it is mild and only mildly contagious.
Lepromatous Hansen's Disease
- The immune system is poor in this type, and the disease damages the nerves, skin, testes, bones, and other body tissues.
- It is characterised by generalised or widespread involvement of the skin, involving nodules (a small raised area or swelling on the skin—large lumps and bumps).
- The lepromatous disease is more contagious.
Borderline Hansen's Disease or Dimorphous Hansen's Disease
- It is a very common type of leprosy with intermediate severity.
- The skin lesions match those of the tuberculoid type.
- The lesions are numerous and are scattered all over the body.
Indeterminate Leprosy
- This is an early stage of leprosy that may not show obvious symptoms.
- It usually starts with just one skin patch or a few spots that may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
- Nerve or other body symptoms may not be noticeable.
- If not treated, it could develop into other forms of leprosy, or it might get better on its own.
Difference Between Lepromatous and Tuberculoid Leprosy
|
Feature |
Lepromatous Leprosy |
Tuberculoid Leprosy |
|
Bacterial Load |
High bacterial load, leading to widespread lesions |
Low bacterial load, with fewer localized lesions |
|
Immune Response |
Weak immune response, causing severe tissue damage |
Strong immune response, limiting the infection |
|
Symptoms |
Multiple skin lesions, nerve damage, deformities |
Fewer lesions, localized nerve damage, hypopigmented skin |
|
Transmission |
More contagious due to high bacterial load |
Less contagious due to low bacterial load |
|
Prognosis |
More severe, requiring longer treatment |
Milder, better prognosis, shorter treatment duration |
Symptoms of Leprosy
Common Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Dry scalp
- Eye problems
- Muscle weakness
- Speech problems
Skin Lesions Symptoms
- Nodules on the skin
- Painless ulcers on the feet
- Absence of eyebrows or eyelashes
- Painless lumps or swelling on the face or earlobes
- Light-coloured spots on the skin
- Thick, stiff or dry skin
Mucous Membrane Symptoms
- A stuffy nose
- Bleeding in the nose
Nerve Damage Symptoms
- Skin numbness in the impacted regions
- Muscle weakness or paralysis is usually observed in the hands and feet
- Nerves are enlarged
- Problems with the eyes could lead to blindness
How Is Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Spread?
Leprosy is primarily spread through droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person, typically when they cough or sneeze. However, it is not highly contagious. The key factors in the spread of leprosy include:
- Prolonged Contact: Prolonged contact with an untreated leprosy patient increases the risk of transmission.
- Bacterial Transmission: The bacteria Mycobacterium leprae is believed to be transmitted through respiratory droplets, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contracting leprosy.
- Prolonged Exposure: People who live with untreated leprosy patients over long periods (e.g., in family settings) are at a higher risk.
- Infected Bodily Fluids: In rare cases, leprosy can also spread through contact with fluids from leprosy sores or lesions.
It is important to note that leprosy is not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands, sitting together, or sharing food.
Causes of Leprosy
- Mycobacterium leprae, or M. lepromatosis is the mycobacteria that gives rise to Hansen's disease or leprosy.
- Prolonged, close contact with a leprosy-affected person.
- Close contact with a person who has infectious mucosal secretions.
- Some genetic factors may make certain individuals more vulnerable to infection.
- Those with weaker immune systems are more susceptible.
During pregnancy, leprosy sickness is not passed on from a mother to her unborn child, and it is also not contracted through sexual contact.
Complications of Leprosy
If Hansen's disease is left untreated, it can give rise to severe symptoms, including:
- Paralysis and crippling of feet and hands
- Reabsorption causes shortening of toes and fingers
- Ulcers on the bottoms of the feet that do not heal
- Blindness
- Absence of eyebrows
- Disfigurement of the nose
- A burning sensation of the skin
- Around the affected area, there is redness and agony
- Painful nerves
Risk Factors of Leprosy
- Immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or certain medications can increase susceptibility.
- Living in endemic areas: Regions like India, Brazil, and Indonesia have higher risks.
- Age: More common in adults, especially those aged 30–50.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop leprosy.
- Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed.
- Limited healthcare access: Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for preventing transmission and complications.
When to See a Doctor?
You can consult a primary care doctor if you notice leprosy-related symptoms in your body. The doctor may refer you to a leprosy specialist, general physician, or dermatologist.
Consult our Dermatologist experts for more information and adequate treatment for Hansen's disease (leprosy).
How is Leprosy Diagnosed?
- The leprosy doctor will conduct a clinical examination to look for the leprosy signs and symptoms.
- The doctor will prefer to take a tissue sample of the skin or nerve (skin or nerve biopsy) for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.
- The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, such as recent travel history to high-risk regions or close contact with an infected person.
- Lepromin skin test or leprosy skin test might be done to determine the type of leprosy.
Diagnostic Tests For Leprosy
- Skin Biopsy: A sample of skin is examined for the presence of Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which cause the disease.
- Smear Test: Skin lesions are swabbed and examined under a microscope to identify bacteria.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A molecular test used to detect the DNA of Mycobacterium leprae in skin or blood samples.
- Serology Tests: Blood tests to detect antibodies against the bacteria, although not commonly used for diagnosis.
- Nerve Function Tests: To assess nerve damage in cases of leprosy-related neuropathy.
Treatment for Leprosy
- Various leprostatic agents are used for leprosy treatment. A three-drug combination of antibiotics consisting of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine is prescribed for leprosy patients. The leprosy doctor may also suggest anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Multidrug therapy (MDT) is considered a highly effective advanced leprosy treatment and even after a single dose, the suffering individuals no longer remain infectious.
- In the case of nerve damage, protective footwear may aid in preventing ulcers and secondary infection.
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Book an AppointmentLeprosy Prevention
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt diagnosis and multidrug therapy (MDT) can cure leprosy and prevent its spread.
- Contact Tracing: Identifying and treating those who have been in close contact with an infected person.
- Vaccination: The BCG vaccine provides protection against leprosy.
- Avoid Close Contact: Limit contact with untreated leprosy patients.
- Good Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness to reduce the risk of infection.
- Health Education: Raise awareness of symptoms and the importance of early treatment.
- Screening Programs: Regular screening in high-risk areas for early detection and prevention.
Leprosy Care At Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover hospitals, we have the most reliable healthcare team of dermatologists for leprosy treatment, who design a personalized treatment pathway for each patient. We adopt a multi-faceted approach to managing leprosy disease with the active participation of healthcare specialists from different departments. Also, we aim to provide the best treatment outcomes and satisfactory patient experiences at a highly affordable cost.
Citations
Leprosy
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don't treat leprosy?
Untreated leprosy can lead to nerve damage, progressive disability, deformities, and in severe cases, blindness and organ damage.
Is there a vaccine for leprosy?
Currently, there is no widely available vaccine for leprosy. Research is ongoing, but no vaccine has been approved for general use yet.
Is leprosy genetic?
While genetic factors may influence susceptibility to leprosy, the disease itself is caused by bacterial infection and is not solely genetic.
Who is at a higher risk of developing leprosy?
People living in endemic regions with poor living conditions, prolonged close contact with untreated individuals, and certain genetic predispositions are at higher risk of developing leprosy.
How long does it take to recover from leprosy treatment?
The recovery time from leprosy treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease. With proper multidrug therapy (MDT), symptoms improve within 6-12 months, but full recovery and nerve damage healing may take several years. Regular follow-up is crucial for monitoring progress.
Who does leprosy affect?
Leprosy mainly affects individuals with weakened immune systems, those in areas with poor sanitation, and those with prolonged contact with infected individuals. It impacts the skin, nerves, eyes, and respiratory tract.
