What is a leprosy leprosy?

lepromatous leprosy is a chronic infection caused by bacteria mycobacterium leprae . Most forms of leprosy affect the skin and peripheral nerves, but usually leave the rest of the organs of the body unharmed. Lepromatous leprosy also affects skin and nerves, but includes other organs, including nose, eyes, testicles and bones.

All forms of leprosy are to some extent contagious, depending on the load or the amount of organism in the body tissue. Lepromatous leprosy is one of the most contagious because it carries the largest burden and reaches up to seven billion organisms per gram of tissue. By comparison, non -lepromat leprosy carries less than one million organisms per gram. The disease is transmitted through the skin and nasal mucous membranes.

Before progress in medicine, leprosy was often called a curse, and the suffering were sent to live in isolation of fear of disseminating the disease. Today, leprosy still affects more than 200,000 people per year, especially in Asia, Africa and South America, butMost people naturally have immunity to bacteria. In cases of leprosy leprosy, patients usually have small or no resistance to bacteria and their bodies are not equipped to mount the response to infection. In these patients, defensive cells work, which usually destroy bacteria called macrophages, against the host by allowing bacteria to multiply in the cell. Macrophages also provide bacteria transport, allowing it to infect other areas of the body.

The first symptoms of lepromatous leprosy include nasal nasal or bleeding and swelling of the legs and ankles. Numerous lesions, papules and knots can be seen through the skin. Unlike other forms of leprosy, early nerve damage may be unnoticed. Early diagnosis is essential for the treatment of this form of leprosy.

When it is not treated, lepromats can be caused by a wide range of complications affecting several different organs. SkinOn eyebrows, foreheads and lobes, they can deny and the eyelashes may fall out. The skin on the feet can thicken and create ulcers. In men, the testes can shrink, leading to sterility. Sensitivity to light, glaucoma and blindness may occur in the eyes. This disease can also affect the larynx and internal organs.

treatment of lepromatous leprosy focuses on stopping infection and reducing the potential of physical deformities. Antibiotics, sometimes several at a time, are given by killing bacteria and oral corticosteroids can help reduce swelling. Some patients may require surgery to release abscesses and repair damaged nerves or tissue. Patients must be educated on how to take medication because it is necessary to complete the entire antibiotic regime. Once treatment begins, the disease is no longer infectious.