Leprosy Flashcards
What is the primary causative agent of leprosy?
Mycobacterium leprae
True or False: Leprosy is primarily spread through respiratory droplets.
True
Which class of antibiotics is primarily used to treat leprosy?
Multidrug therapy (MDT) including rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine
What is the mechanism of action of rifampicin?
Inhibition of bacterial RNA synthesis
Fill in the blank: Dapsone is a _______ antibiotic.
sulfonamide
What is the role of clofazimine in leprosy treatment?
It acts as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.
True or False: Leprosy can be completely cured with appropriate treatment.
True
What is the duration of treatment for leprosy with multidrug therapy?
6 months to 2 years, depending on the form of leprosy
Which drug is known to cause a reddish-brown discoloration of the skin?
Clofazimine
What adverse effect is associated with dapsone?
Hemolytic anemia
What is the standard treatment regimen for multibacillary leprosy?
Rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine for 12 months
True or False: Leprosy is a highly contagious disease.
False
What is the primary goal of leprosy treatment?
To kill the Mycobacterium leprae and prevent disability
Fill in the blank: The World Health Organization recommends _______ therapy for leprosy.
multidrug
What type of leprosy is characterized by a low bacterial load?
Tuberculoid leprosy
What is the primary method of diagnosing leprosy?
Clinical examination and skin smear or biopsy
Which drug is contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency?
Dapsone
What is the significance of the lepromin test?
It helps to determine the immune response to Mycobacterium leprae.
True or False: Clofazimine is effective against other mycobacterial infections.
True
What is the main side effect of rifampicin?
Hepatotoxicity
What is the recommended treatment for a leprosy patient with a severe reaction?
Corticosteroids
Fill in the blank: Leprosy primarily affects the _______ and _______ system.
skin, peripheral nervous
What is the consequence of untreated leprosy?
Disability and deformities
Which population is most at risk for developing leprosy?
Those with close, prolonged contact with infected individuals
What is the purpose of contact tracing in leprosy management?
To identify and treat individuals who may have been exposed to the disease.
True or False: Leprosy is a disease of the past and no longer occurs.
False
What is the role of the skin smear test in leprosy diagnosis?
To detect the presence of Mycobacterium leprae.
