Leprosy

Leprosy, also referred to as Hansen disease, is a chronic granulomatous infection primarily caused by the obligate intracellular acid-fast bacilli *Mycobacterium leprae* and *Mycobacterium lepromatosis* The infection predominantly targets the peripheral nervous system, skin, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes across susceptible human populations

Leprosy, also referred to as Hansen disease, is a chronic granulomatous infection primarily caused by the obligate intracellular acid-fast bacilli *Mycobacterium leprae* and *Mycobacterium lepromatosis* Pathophysiologically, the bacteria demonstrate a unique predilection for Schwann cells and dermal macrophages, producing clinical manifestations across an immunological spectrum ranging from tuberculoid to lepromatous disease

The infection predominantly targets the peripheral nervous system, skin, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes across susceptible human populations

Pathophysiologically, the bacteria demonstrate a unique predilection for Schwann cells and dermal macrophages, producing clinical manifestations across an immunological spectrum ranging from tuberculoid to lepromatous disease Defining clinical features include hypopigmented or erythematous skin lesions exhibiting sensory impairment, peripheral nerve enlargement with sensory or motor deficits, and, in severe or progressive cases, chronic ulcerations and disabling physical deformities

Defining clinical features include hypopigmented or erythematous skin lesions exhibiting sensory impairment, peripheral nerve enlargement with sensory or motor deficits, and, in severe or progressive cases, chronic ulcerations and disabling physical deformities

Defining clinical features include hypopigmented or erythematous skin lesions exhibiting sensory impairment, peripheral nerve enlargement with sensory or motor deficits, and, in severe or progressive cases, chronic ulcerations and disabling physical deformities