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Leprosy

Kevin C. Shannon, FAAFP, MPH, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A chronic, inflammatory granulomatous infection (caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus, and similar, recently discovered M. lepromatosis), preferentially...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Known or suspected contact with leprosy; immigrant from high-incidence country (India, Brazil, Indonesia, Nepal)

  • Skin lesions and/or enlarged nerves accompanied by sensory loss

  • Ulcers i...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, and physical therapy in addition to specific drug therapy

  • Rigid-soled footwear, walking plaster casts,...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Frequent follow-up visits until therapy is stabilized and then monthly supervision

  • CBC, renal, hepatic function, G6PD initially; then CBC and hep...

REFERENCES

1
World Health Organization. Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of leprosy. New Delhi: World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia; 2017.
2
Martinez AN, ...

SEE ALSO

Health Resources & Services Administration. NHDP Guide to the Management of Hansen's Disease: https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/hansens-disease/hansens-disease-guide-managemen...

CODES

ICD10

  • A30.9 Leprosy, unspecified

  • A30.0 Indeterminate leprosy

  • A30.1 Tuberculoid leprosy

  • A30.3 Borderline leprosy

  • A30.2 Borderline tuberculoid leprosy

  • A30.4 Borderline lepromatous leprosy

  • A30.5 Lepromato...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Most humans (95%) are notsusceptible to leprosy.

  • There are no serologic or skin tests for screening or early diagnosis of leprosy before physical signs are present.

  • In suspected cases, t...

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