Diagnosis of Leprosy
Leprosy or Hensen’s disease can be diagnosed by looking for one of the following signs:
- A red or pale skin patch that has lost sensation
- Thick or enlarged peripheral nerve
- Microscopic detection of the bacteria
To confirm the diagnosis biopsy is conducted, and the infected nerve or the skin sample is taken and viewed under the microscope. The tests used in the diagnosis of leprosy are
- Modified acid-fast stain
- Lepromin skin test
- NAT-HANS Test
- OnSite Leprosy Ab Rapid test
What is Leprosy?
Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the slow-growing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract. Leprosy is broadly categorized into paucibacillary (tuberculoid) and multibacillary (lepromatous) forms, each with distinct clinical presentations and implications. Leprosy symptoms include skin lesions, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. Multi-antibiotic therapy, including drugs like rifampicin and dapsone, is effective in treating leprosy, particularly when diagnosed and treated early.
Table of Content
- What is Leprosy Disease?
- What Causes Leprosy?
- How is Leprosy Transmitted?
- Leprosy Symptoms
- Types of Leprosy Disease
- Diagnosis of Leprosy
- What are the Complications of Leprosy?
- Leprosy Treatment