Leprosy Flashcards
Leprosy in libya
Fortunately, the disease is not very common
In the word, Leprosy control has improved significantly due to:
• Leprosy case detection
• Awareness campaign in several endemic countries dropped by 99%
Leprosy is affecting:
Peripheral nerves, skin and mucus memebrane, the eye, muscles and internal organs like LG, liver, testicles
Agent
Mycobacterium leprae
It only grows well at temperature lower than the body core
Host of leprosy
Human is the only natural reservoir & infection is at any age
Environmental factors for infection by leprosy
Poverty & overcrowding
The out come of the leprosy depends on the host’s immune response, explain:
Those with lowest degree of Cell Mediated Immunity (CMI) develop Lepromatous Leprosy (LL)
Those with higher but not complete resistance develop Tuberculoid Leprosy (TL)
Incubation period of leprosy
Long and variable from 3-10 years
Mode of transmission of leprosy
Droplet infection, inhalation of the countless bacilli expelled when a lepromatous patient sneezes
Or by direct contact with skin ulcer
Diagnosis of leprosy
Is done by clinically
Control of leprosy
• Health education
• Raising the general standard of living and hygiene
• BCG vaccination
• Chemoprophylaxis
• Follow-up
• Rehabilitation
Follow-up of leprosy should be carried out:
Every 3 months for a year
Every 6 months for 2 years
Annually thereafter, up to 5 years.
Leprosy control program in libya:
There are about 24 field units:
• Each should comprise (dermatologist, health visitor and a laboratory technician).
• Located at the existing TB control centre/dermatology departments.
• Concerned with the (detection, treatment, referral and follow up) of cases in its area.
