Leprosy

Question 1

Pathophysiology?

Answer 1

Granulomatous disease primarily affecting the peripheral nerves and skin

Question 2

Causative organism?

Answer 2

Mycobacterium leprae

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

• Patches of hypopigmented skin usually on the buttocks, face and extensor surfaces of limbs
• Sensory loss

Question 4

What determines the type of leprosy a patient will develop?

Answer 4

The degree of cell mediated immunity

Question 5

What causes lepromatous leprosy and what are the symptoms?

Answer 5

When there is low degree of cell mediated immunity

• extensive skin involvement
• symmetrical nerve involvement

Question 6

What causes tuberculoid leprosy and what are the symptoms?

Answer 6

When there is a high degree of cell mediated immunity

• limited skin disease
• asymmetric nerve involvement where there is hypesthesia (diminished sensation in skin)
• hair loss

Question 7

Management?

Answer 7

Triple therapy:

Rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine