Definition Leprosy is a chronic infection involving nerves and the skin. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
What is going on in the body? Leprosy occurs mostly in Asia and Mexico. Most cases in Australia can be traced to immigrants. Symptoms may not appear until 3 to 5 years after a person has been exposed to the leprosy organism.
There are three forms of leprosy:
lepromatous, which is the most serious type. It damages the upper respiratory tract, eyes, testes, nerves, and skin.
tuberculoid, which affects peripheral nerves. It may also affect the surrounding skin, especially on the face, arms, legs, and buttocks.
borderline, which has characteristics of both lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection? The symptoms of leprosy include:
one or more skin lesions that have decreased sensation to touch, heat, or pain
skin lesions that do not heal after several weeks or months
disappearance of body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes
What are the causes and risks of the infection? Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It is spread through contact with nasal secretions from an untreated, infected person. Children are more susceptible than adults to contracting leprosy.
What can be done to prevent the infection? Prevention consists of avoiding close physical contact with a person who has untreated leprosy.
How is the infection diagnosed? The diagnosis is based on clinical findings. These include a distinctive skin rash that doesn't go away, a loss of sense of touch, and deformities that result from muscle weakness.
What are the long-term effects of the infection? One result of leprosy is nerve damage, which causes a loss of sense of touch in the skin. The person can have repeated injuries without realizing it, since there is no perception of pain. The injuries can eventually result in ulcers, broken bones, and deformities. Nerve damage can be permanent
What are the risks to others? Leprosy is contagious through contact with nasal secretions from an untreated, infected person.
What are the treatments for the infection? Antibiotics are used to treat leprosy. A combination of more than one type may be used because some of the bacteria may be resistant to certain antibiotics. The antibiotics used include:
dapsone
rifampin
clofazlimine
ethionamide
minocycline
clarithromycin
ofloxacin
What are the side effects of the treatments? Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhoea, and allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the infection? Antibiotic therapy must be continued for a long time because the bacteria are difficult to destroy. Treatment may last from 6 months to many years.
How is the infection monitored? A person with leprosy should be followed by his or her doctor closely after treatment, since relapse does occur. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: Danielle Zerr, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
