A bacterial infection that causes damage to the nerves, muscles, eyes, skin, and respiratory tract is called leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease). Without early detection and prompt treatment, it may lead to blindness, permanent paralysis, and damage to the hands, feet, and face. Furthermore, this infection is not contagious, which means it does not spread from one person to another. Most of the time, leprosy is cured with antibiotics.
Previously, this bacterial infection was a mysterious disease that caused a lot of fear. Nowadays, leprosy still exists, and it affects about 200,000 people worldwide each year. In rare cases, it may also occur in the United States.
What Are The Symptoms of Leprosy?
Those who develop this bacterial infection usually experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Enlarged nerves
- Loss of vision or other eye problems
- Painless ulcers or sores on the bottom of the feet
- Red or purple nodules or lumps
- Patches of skin that often have raised edges
Typically, leprosy develops slowly over time. It may take years or even decades to develop symptoms after exposure. In any case, if any of the symptoms listed above occur, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Causes and Risk Factors
This infection is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. While experts do not fully understand how this bacterium spreads to other people, they think it is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
While anyone can develop this condition, doctors have identified some factors that could increase your risk of developing it. Check some examples below:
- Long-term contact with an infected person
- Living or traveling in endemic geographic locations (including Florida, California, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, and New York)
- Weakened immune system – The immune system may not work properly because of immunosuppressants, cancer, HIV infection, malnutrition, cancer treatments (including radiation therapy and chemotherapy), and others.
- Genetic factors – There are some genetic changes that may contribute to leprosy. They negatively affect the body’s ability to respond to Mycobacterium leprae. For example, a mutation in the PARK2/PACRG or NOD2 genes.
Is Leprosy Contagious?
Yes, the bacterium that causes this infection can spread from one person to another through air droplets or close contact with an infected person.
What Are The Potential Complications of Leprosy?
People with leprosy may also experience some complications, particularly if the condition is left untreated. Check some of them below:
- Permanent damage to the hands and feet or paralysis
- Blindness (a complete loss of vision)
- Chronic (long-term) pain
- Shortening of the fingers and toes
- Delayed healing of ulcers
- Permanent appearance changes
- Muscle weakness
- Secondary infections (including cellulitis and osteomyelitis)
- Nerve damage
- Glaucoma
- Loss of eyebrows (in severe cases)
This article does not contain all possible complications of leprosy. However, physicians may recommend some ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them. Generally, it is not easy to prevent this infection, but doctors often recommend limiting or avoiding contact with infected people and regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of leprosy often starts with a physical examination in which doctors will look at your skin. They may also ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history to get more clues about your condition. However, to confirm or rule out this bacterial infection, physicians usually perform the following tests and procedures. For example:
- Blood tests – These tests are done to check for the bacterium that causes this infection.
- Tests to check the function of nerves and muscles (such as a nerve conduction test)
- Nerve or skin biopsy – During this procedure, doctors will take a small sample of the affected tissue for testing.
Physicians often can diagnose you with one of the following leprosy forms, depending on your symptoms. These include:
- Tuberculoid (paucibacillary) leprosy – This form usually causes mild symptoms, and it affects only certain parts of the body. The most common symptoms include mild muscle weakness, numbness, and pale or reddish skin.
- Lepromatous (multibacillary) leprosy – In this case, the infection causes widespread lesions and ulcers that negatively affect the nerves, skin, and organs.
- Borderline (dimorphous) leprosy – The symptoms caused by this form of leprosy are often similar to those of tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy.
Treatment
Generally, this infection is curable. Doctors often prescribe a combination of three antibiotics (multidrug therapy or MDT) to destroy the bacterium that causes leprosy. Most of the time, they prescribe Dapsone, Rifampin, and Clofazimine. MDT is often taken for 6 to 12 months. It is very important to administer these antibiotics exactly as your doctor recommends, even if you no longer have symptoms. Otherwise, the infection may return, and it becomes more difficult to treat. In rare cases, physicians may recommend surgery to remove nodules and help with nerve damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leprosy curable?
Yes. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), which usually includes antibiotics such as Dapsone, Rifampin, and Clofazimine. Early diagnosis and completing the full course of treatment help prevent permanent nerve damage and other complications.
How long does it take for leprosy symptoms to appear?
Leprosy has a very long incubation period. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 years after infection but may take as little as 6 months or as long as 20 years or more to develop.
Who is most at risk of developing leprosy?
People who have prolonged, close contact with someone who has untreated leprosy are at the greatest risk. Living in or traveling to regions where the disease is more common and having a weakened immune system may also increase the risk.
Can children develop leprosy?
Yes. Although leprosy is more common in adults, children can also develop the infection, especially if they have prolonged exposure to an untreated infected person. Early treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications.
Can leprosy cause permanent disability?
Yes. If left untreated, leprosy can permanently damage nerves, leading to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, paralysis, deformities of the hands and feet, vision problems, and other lifelong disabilities. Prompt treatment greatly reduces this risk.
Is there a vaccine that prevents leprosy?
There is no vaccine specifically designed to prevent leprosy. However, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is primarily used against tuberculosis, may provide partial protection against leprosy in some people.
Can leprosy come back after treatment?
Although uncommon, leprosy can occasionally recur after successful treatment. Regular follow-up appointments help healthcare providers detect relapse early and treat it promptly if it occurs.
Can people with leprosy live normal lives?
Yes. Most people who receive early diagnosis and complete the recommended antibiotic treatment recover fully and can live healthy, productive lives. Early treatment also helps prevent permanent disability and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
Does leprosy only affect the skin?
No. While skin changes are common, leprosy can also affect the peripheral nerves, eyes, nasal passages, and, in advanced cases, other tissues. Nerve involvement is responsible for many of the disease’s long-term complications.
When should I see a doctor about possible leprosy?
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms. These include persistent numb or discolored skin patches, unexplained muscle weakness, loss of sensation in your hands or feet, or slow-healing wounds, especially if you have lived in or traveled to an area where leprosy is more common or have had close contact with someone diagnosed with the disease. Early evaluation and treatment often help prevent serious complications. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
