Leprosy Flashcards
What is leprosy basically
chronic granulomatous disease, affecting peripheral nerves and superficial tissues, especially the nasal mucosa
Unlike mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycobacterium leprae…
cannot be grown on agar media or in cell culture
What are the two major forms of leprosy
tuberculoid and lepromatous
How is leprosy transmitted
Through small droplets from nasal secretions of lepromatous patients. Contraction requires prolonged close contact with infected individuals
M. Leprae is an obligate intracellular parasite primarilly of?
Macrophages and Schwann cells
The Tuberculoid Leprosy
SINGLE skin lesions on the face, limbs, and buttocks. Lesions may not be painful on the limbs but facial lesions generally are. Usually not contagious and the prognosis is good.
Lepromatous Leprosy first signs
Edema and rhinitis
Lesions in Lepromatous leprosy
On the face, buttocks, and limbs. Damage can be severe with perforation of the nasal septum and collapse of the nose due to cartillage loss, loss of fingers due to neutrophic atrophy, and atrophy of the testicles.
Treatment of uberculoid leprosy
A sulfone and Rifampin for 6 mos.
Lepromatous Leprosy
Clofazamine + sulfone + Rifampin and treatment has to last for up to 2 years