Leprosy

Question 1

Leprosy is an infection caused by

Answer 1

Mycobacterium leprae

Question 2

M Leprae has a doubling time of

Answer 2

12 days

Question 3

The incubation period for

1. Tuberculosis cases
2. Lepromatous cases

Answer 3

1. Tuberculoid 2-5 years

3. Lepromatous 8-12 years

Question 4

Clinical features of leprosy depend on cell mediated immunity - CMI

Lepromatous leprosy is seen in those with X cmi

Answer 4

Impaired CMI
Thus there is bacilliary multiplication and spread and accumulation of bacteria in infected tissues

The absence of activated lymphocytes and macrophages means that nerve damage is slow and gradual in onset

Question 5

Tuberculosis leprosy is characterized by X CMI

Answer 5

Strongly CMI

Infection is restricted to one of a few skin sites and peripheral nerves

Question 6

diagnostic criteria for Leprosy

Answer 6

2/3

1. Anaesthetia of a skin lesion
2. Thickened nerves
3. Typical skin lesions

Or

Demonstration of AFB in skin-slit smear or histo

Question 7

Leprosy treatment

1. Paucibacilliary
2. Multibacilliary

Answer 7

Paucibacilliary 6 months

1. Rifampicin 600mg once a month
2. Dapsone 100mg daily

Multibacilliary 12 months

1. Rifampicin 600mg once a month
2. Clofazamine 300mg monthly
3. Dapsone 100mg daily