Tuberculoid leprosy
Tuberculoid leprosy is a form of leprosy that represents one pole of the spectrum of clinical presentations for the disease. It is characterized by a few well-demarcated, hypo-pigmented and anaesthetic skin lesions, and peripheral nerve thickening. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
Etiology[edit | edit source]
Tuberculoid leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a slow-growing type of bacteria that causes leprosy. The bacteria multiply very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
In tuberculoid leprosy, the immune response is stronger and there are fewer bacteria present than in other forms of leprosy. The skin lesions are fewer and are characterized by a sharp border and a clear center. The affected skin might be reddened and warm to the touch, and there may be loss of sensation in the affected area.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Patients with tuberculoid leprosy may have a single skin lesion or a few scattered skin lesions, which are usually dry, hairless, and have lost sensation due to damage to the underlying nerves. The lesions may be lighter than the person's normal skin color or may be reddened from inflammation.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy is primarily based on the clinical symptoms. Skin smears taken from the earlobe or from skin lesions can be examined under a microscope for the presence of Mycobacterium leprae.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for tuberculoid leprosy is with a combination of antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a combination of dapsone and rifampicin for six months.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Tuberculoid leprosy is more common in temperate and tropical climates. It is not highly contagious and it is believed that it is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Tuberculoid leprosy Resources | |
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