How is leprosy detected?

Answer 1

It can be diagnosed by:

1] Physical examination and discovering skin patches that are having reduced or absent sensations, thickened nerves, and weakness of muscles.

2] Skin smears and nasal smears when examined microscopically can reveal the causative organism which is Mycobaterium leprae.

3]Skin biopsies will show the presence of granulomatous lesions with lepra bacilli.

4]Pilocarpine sweat test and Histamine test which work on the principle of lack of sweating and wheal/flare phenomenon in leprosy skin lesions are helpful.

5] Serology are expensive and sophisticated. They may be helpful in non-endemic areas.