Leprosy or leprosy is one of the oldest diseases mentioned in ancient writings. The world peak of the incidence fell on the XII - XIV centuries. And in those days the patients with leprosy were permanently deprived of the right to a normal life in society. Consider what kind of illness, what are the causes and symptoms of leprosy, and how it is treated.
Distribution, transmission routes and causative agent of leprosy
To date, the disease is considered quite rare, and it is widespread, mainly in tropical countries. Some regions of Brazil, India, Nepal, and Africa are unfavorable in this respect. Prose is more susceptible to people with poor living conditions, as well as suffering from pathologies that significantly weaken the immune system .
The disease is caused by rod-shaped bacteria from the family of mycobacteria, called Hansen chopsticks (bacilli) - by the name of the doctor who discovered them. These microorganisms have properties similar to tuberculosis bacteria, but are not able to reproduce in nutrient media. As a result, the bacilli of leprosy do not show themselves for a long time. The incubation period can be 3-5 years or more. The infection is transmitted through the discharge from the mouth and nose, with close and frequent contacts with patients who are not receiving treatment.
Symptoms of Leprosy
There are two main forms of leprosy with different manifestations. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Tuberculoid leprosy
In this case, the disease affects, in the main, the peripheral nervous system. Its characteristic symptoms are as follows:
- the appearance on the skin of a flat hypopigmented spot with distinct outlines that gradually increase, and whose edges eventually rise; the central region of the spot atrophies and sinks, within the focus of the lesion, there are no hair bulbs and sweat glands;
- thickening of the nerves innervating the lesions (nerves are probed near the spot);
- muscle atrophy, associated with the defeat of nerves (especially the muscles of the hands);
- restriction of movement in the joints of hands and feet;
- the occurrence of infection of the hands and feet, which leads to the formation of neurotrophic ulcers;
- necrotizing and rejection of phalanges;
- impossibility of complete closure of the eyelids, which leads to the appearance of keratitis, corneal ulcers (in case of lesion of the facial nerve).
Lepromatous leprosy
This form of the disease has a more severe course and is characterized by such manifestations:
- the appearance of nasal congestion, nosebleeds , difficulty breathing;
- defeat of the mucous membranes of the larynx, hoarseness;
- increased inguinal and axillary lymph nodes;
- the emergence of extensive skin lesions in the form of spots, nodes or papules that have diffuse margins and a compacted, convex center (often lesions occur on the face, ears, elbows, buttocks and knees);
- loss of eyebrows;
- distortion of facial features and violation of expressive facial movements due to a strong thickening of the skin (the formation of the so-called "lion face");
- proliferation of ear lobes;
- nasal congestion associated with
perforation of the nasal septum and cartilage deformation; - the emergence of keratitis, iridocyclitis in the penetration of Hansen's bacilli into the eyes;
- a decrease in the sensitivity of the peripheral parts of the limbs.
Treatment of leprosy
This disease requires long-term treatment (2-3 years or more) with the involvement of different specialists (neurologist, orthopedist, ophthalmologist, etc.). Drug therapy is based on the intake of sulfonic drugs and antibiotics. Patients in the period of treatment patients are in special institutions - leprosariums.