Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Tuberculoid (paucibacillary) Hansen’s disease is a form of leprosy characterized by a limited number of skin lesions and peripheral nerve involvement. It is less severe than lepromatous leprosy and has fewer bacteria present in the lesions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Tuberculoid Hansen’s disease involves well-defined, hypoesthetic skin lesions with loss of sensation.
It primarily affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
The immune response in tuberculoid Hansen's disease is strong, resulting in fewer bacteria compared to other forms.
Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination, skin smears, and sometimes biopsy showing granulomas.
Treatment includes multidrug therapy (MDT) usually involving dapsone and rifampicin for six months.
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Related terms
Lepromatous Hansen's Disease: A more severe form of leprosy with numerous lesions and high bacterial load.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves causing numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Multidrug Therapy (MDT): A treatment regimen using multiple antibiotics to prevent drug resistance in diseases like leprosy.