• Caused by M.leprae and M. Lepromatosis bacteria. The exact route of transmission is not known, but it is likely to spread through respiratory droplets of cough or sneezing of an infected person.
• Risk factors for developing leprosy include:
• Close contact with the infected person
• Reduced immune function
• Malnutrition
• Those living in poverty

If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to

• Loss of vision
• Hand deformity and disfiguration of the face
• Erectile dysfunction and infertility in men
• Kidney failure
• Permanent damage to the inside of the nose, which can lead to nosebleeds
• Permanent damage of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord

Early treatment is important in order to avoid mortalities. Treatment includes multi-drug therapy with antibiotics.

Medication

Antibiotics: Stop the growth of or kill bacteria. Patients with multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy require different combinations of antibiotics.

Dapsone . Rifampicin . Clofazimine

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Used to control nerve pain and damage.

Aspirin . Prednisone