Seventy to eighty percent of all leprosy cases are of the Seventy to eighty percent of all leprosy cases are of the tuberculoid type.
Some people are genetically resistant to leprosy, probably and no matter what, they do not get leprosy. Other with tuberculous type of leprosy have high resistance to leprosy. Those with lepromatous type of leprosy have least resistance to leprosy germs. The intermediate leprosy type have intermediate resistance to leprosy germs. Body reacts to leprosy by trying to kill the leprosy causing germs. There is an inflammatory response.
Opinion only: There are two types of leprosy: tuberculoid and lepromatous. Both forms cause skin sores and peripheral nerve damage; however, tuberculoid is less severe than lepromatous leprosy. (Source: Natural Standard International Research) Management of leprosy is aimed at stopping infection and minimizing potential physical deformities. First-line antibiotics used to eliminate organisms include dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Varying regimens are used depending on the type of leprosy and the severity of infection. This may be a combination of two or three antibiotics given over varying lengths of time. Other antibiotics include minocycline, ofloxacin and clarithromycin. Patient education is paramount. Leprosy can be cured, but it is essential to take the full course of medication.
In cases of TT leprosy, a diagnosis is made based on the clinical signs and symptoms, the type and distribution of skin lesions, and history of having lived in an endemic area.
lepromatous leprosy
This type of leprosy is also called the multibacillary (MB) leprosy, because of the presence of large numbers of bacteria.
This type of leprosy can lead to blindness, drastic change in voice, or mutilation of the nose.
Depending on the type of leprosy, the time required for treatment may vary from six months to two years or more.
Depends on type of cases assigned.
About half of all cases of Raynaud's disease are of this type
Granger Cases.
DefinitionThe lepromin skin test is used to determine what type of leprosy a person has.Alternative NamesLeprosy skin testHow the test is performedA sample of inactivated (unable to cause infection) leprosy-causing bacteria is injected just under the skin, usually on the forearm, so that a small lump pushes the skin up. The lump indicates that the antigen has been injected at the correct depth.The injection site is labeled and examined 3 days, and again 28 days, later to see if there is a reaction.How to prepare for the testPeople with dermatitis or other skin irritations should have the test performed on an unaffected part of the body.If your child is to have this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even demonstrate on a doll. Explain the reason for the test. Knowing the "how and why" may reduce the anxiety your child feels.How the test will feelWhen the antigen is injected, there may be a slight stinging or burning sensation. There may also be mild itching at the site of injection afterwards.Why the test is performedLeprosy is a chronic and potentially disfiguring infection if left untreated. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria.This test is a research tool that helps classify the different types of leprosy. It is not recommended as the main way to diagnosis leprosy.Normal ValuesPeople who don't have leprosy will have little or no skin reaction to the antigen. Patients with a particular type of leprosy called lepromatous leprosy will also have no skin reaction to the antigen.What abnormal results meanA positive skin reaction may be seen in patients with tuberculoid and borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Patients with lepromatous leprosy will not have a positive skin reaction.What the risks areThere is an extremely small risk of an allergic reaction which may include itching and, rarely, hives.Special considerationsThis test is used primarily as a research tool and only helps in the classification of leprosy. It should not be used to establish a diagnosis of leprosy.ReferencesLevis WR, Ernst JD. Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy, Hansen's disease). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005: chap 249.Wahie S, Ong E, Charlton FG, Reynolds NJ. Images in dermatology. Am J Med. 2006;119:1039-1042.
European Cases of the Reincarnation Type was created in 2003.