Question

What is Hansen’s disease (its etiological agent, mode of transmission, clinical manifestations and prevention)?

Answer 1

Hansen's disease is also known as leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium laprae. Which involves the  skin & peripheral nerve damge. It is discovred by Gerherd Armaur Hansen in 1973 (Hence known as Hansen disease).

Etiological Agent : it is chronic disease caused by acid fast rod shaped Mycobacterium laprae.

Mode of tranmission : The exact mechnism of transmission is unknown. It is mainly transmitted via droplet from the nose and mouth, during close & frecuent contact with untrated patient.

Clinical menifestation : Leprosy is a chronic disease cause progressive & permanent damage to the skin, nerve, limbs and eye.The main feature of leprosy are:

1. Skin lesion.

2. Complete / partial loss of sensation.

3. Painless wounds or burns on the hands or feet.

4. Thickening of partial nerve.

5. Lumps or swelling on the earlobs.

Tender, enlarge peripheral nerve.

Prevention: early diagnosis, tratment and preventing further transmission of the disease to other is main preventive to stop the spread of disese. other most commonly use preventive measure is :

1. Public awarness and education campaign for the early identification and prevention of disease

2. Vaccination

3. Drugs

1. Dapson 2. Refampicine 3. Clofazimine . some vaccine like BCG also used

The combination of these drug is known as Multidrug therapy (MDT).

WHO paly main role for the elimination of of leprosy wold wide.