Pathogenesis (development of disease) Mycobacterium leprae is thought to enter the body through the respiratory tract or through small skin lesions. Mycobacterium leprae is only slightly contagious (infectious), which is why prolonged close physical contact with persons suffering from leprosy is a prerequisite for infection.Only about five percent of infected persons contract leprosy. The reason … Leprosy: Causes
General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use). Alcohol restriction (renunciation of alcohol consumption) Regular checkups Regular medical checkups Nutritional medicine Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things: A total of … Leprosy: Therapy
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Face [facies leontina (lion-like face); madarosis (loss of eyebrows and eyelashes); loosening of the anterior incisors (Möller-Christensen phenomenon); saddle nose; alopecia (hair loss)] Skin [small hypopigmented spots (macules) – … Leprosy: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Pathogen detection, e.g., by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Pathogen detection in biopsies (tissue samples). Histological examination of biopsies PGL-1 antibody detection … Leprosy: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy goals Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Antibiosis (antibiotic therapy).
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen (abdominal CT) – for further diagnosis.
Prevention of leprosy requires attention to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Prolonged intensive contact with persons suffering from leprosy.
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate leprosy: Symptoms of indeterminate leprosy Small hypopigmented spots (macules) – heal spontaneously in circa 75% of cases. Symptoms of tuberculoid leprosy Few sharply demarcated hypopigmented skin lesions with raised marginal ridge, central healing if necessary. Hypesthesia/hypoesthesia to anesthesia (decreased pain sensitivity/painlessness) in the affected area. Disturbed sweat secretion … Leprosy: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of leprosy. Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Social history Have you ever had prolonged intensive contact with persons suffering from leprosy? Have you ever been to countries (Southeast Asia/India, Africa, South America/Brazil) where leprosy is … Leprosy: Medical History
Blood, blood-forming organs-immune system (D50-D90). Sarcoidosis (synonyms: Boeck’s disease; Schaumann-Besnier’s disease) – systemic disease of connective tissue with granuloma formation (skin, lungs, and lymph nodes). Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Fungal skin diseases, unspecified Skin involvement in autoimmune diseases, unspecified Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Frambösia – non-venereal infectious disease of the tropical treponematosis group occurring … Leprosy: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by leprosy: Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Blindness Further Mutilation (mutilation), especially of the face and extremities.
