Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting skin and peripheral nerves.
Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
- Cause: Mycobacterium leprae
- Affects: Skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract
- Transmission: Prolonged close contact (exact mode not fully understood)
- Progression: Slow; may lead to disfigurement and disability if untreated
Types of Leprosy
| Type | Features |
| Tuberculoid | Few, well-defined reddish-brown skin lesions; numbness; nerve involvement |
| Lepromatous | Multiple, poorly defined nodular lesions; more diffuse; progressive and contagious |
Treatment of Leprosy
Multidrug Therapy (MDT)
- Standard regimen recommended by WHO, typically includes:
- Dapsone
- Rifampin
- Clofazimine
- Duration depends on disease severity (6–24 months).
