Leprosy bacillus

Leprosy Bacillus

The Leprosy Bacillus, scientifically known as Mycobacterium leprae, is a bacterium that causes leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa. The bacterium was discovered by Gerhard Armauer Hansen in 1873, making it the first bacterium to be identified as causing disease in humans.

Characteristics

Mycobacterium leprae is an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. It is an obligate intracellular parasite, which means it can only multiply within the cells of its host. The bacterium is aerobic and prefers cooler temperatures, which explains why it tends to affect the skin and peripheral nerves, as these areas of the body are cooler than the core body temperature.

Pathogenesis

The exact mechanism of transmission of Mycobacterium leprae is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur through nasal droplets or through breaks in the skin. Once the bacterium enters the body, it invades the Schwann cells in the peripheral nerves, leading to nerve damage and the characteristic symptoms of leprosy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of leprosy is primarily based on clinical signs and symptoms, as Mycobacterium leprae cannot be cultured in the laboratory. The World Health Organization recommends a multidrug therapy for the treatment of leprosy, which includes dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.

Epidemiology

Leprosy is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, with the highest number of cases reported in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Despite global efforts to eliminate the disease, new cases continue to be reported each year.

See Also

• Tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Hansen's disease

References

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Leprosy bacillus Resources
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