Question

Define multibacilliary leprosy.

Answer 1

Multibacillary leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is marked by numerous skin lesions, heavy bacterial load, and severe nerve damage. It represents a progression from tuberculoid to lepromatous leprosy due to an inadequate immune response, leading to significant disabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Multibacillary leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by extensive skin lesions and nerve damage primarily in the extremities. Clinical presentation includes numerous skin nodules filled with acid-fast bacilli and the impairment of nerve function due to infected Schwann cells, which leads to a loss of sensation and secondary injuries like ulcers, deformities, and fractures. In severe cases, the disease can cause disfiguring lesions of the nose and face, resulting from mucosal involvement.

Individuals develop multibacillary leprosy when their immune system cannot effectively contain the bacillus, leading to a progressive form of the disease. Without adequate immunity, the tuberculoid form of the disease, which is marked by fewer lesions and a more effective immune response, can exacerbate into the lepromatous form. The bacteria heavily populate the nodules, resulting in peripheral nerve damage and functional impairments. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical signs and symptoms, confirmed by the presence of acid-fast bacilli in skin smears or biopsies. The damage to nerves, like the ulnar nerve in the wrist, is among the most common causes of disability associated with the disease.

Answer 2

Multibacillary leprosy is a form of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, that is characterized by a high bacterial load in the body. Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, and it primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. There are two main types of leprosy: multibacillary leprosy and paucibacillary leprosy.

In multibacillary leprosy, the immune system is less effective at controlling the growth of the bacteria, leading to a higher bacterial count in the body. This form of leprosy is associated with multiple skin lesions, nodules, and thickened nerves. Multibacillary leprosy is considered to be more contagious than the paucibacillary form.

Multibacillary leprosy is diagnosed based on the presence of at least one of the following criteria:

1. Five or more skin lesions with definite loss of sensation
2. Involvement of two or more nerves as demonstrated by thickening or tenderness
3. Presence of acid-fast bacilli in a skin smear

Treatment for multibacillary leprosy typically involves a multidrug therapy regimen consisting of a combination of antibiotics, such as dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce transmission of the disease.