Lepromatous (multibacillary) Hansen’s disease

Definition

Lepromatous (multibacillary) Hansen’s disease is a severe form of leprosy characterized by widespread skin lesions and a high bacterial load. It can cause significant nerve damage leading to sensory loss and disability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacterium that primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.
2. Lepromatous Hansen’s disease presents with numerous symmetrical skin nodules, plaques, and thickened dermis.
3. This form of leprosy has a high bacterial load, which makes it more infectious compared to the tuberculoid form.
4. The immune response in lepromatous leprosy is weak or absent, allowing for uncontrolled bacterial multiplication.
5. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications including irreversible nerve damage, deformity, and disability.

Review Questions

Related terms

Mycobacterium leprae:

The bacterium responsible for causing all forms of Hansen’s disease.

Tuberculoid Leprosy:

A milder form of Hansen's disease characterized by few skin lesions and a strong immune response.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to peripheral nerves often seen in advanced cases of lepromatous Hansen's disease.