Lepromatous leprosy: a review and case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Leprosy, a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, presents diverse clinical forms.
• Oral manifestations are common in lepromatous leprosy, affecting 20-60% of patients.

Observation:

• Oral lesions in leprosy include nodules (lepromas), necrosis, slow-healing ulcers, and tissue destruction.
• Lesions typically occur on the palate, uvula, tongue, lips, and gums, potentially leading to maxilla destruction and tooth loss.

Findings:

• Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, confirmed by bacteriological, histopathological analyses, and the lepromin test.
• Differential diagnosis is extensive, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and malignancies.

Implications:

• Treatment for leprosy is prolonged, multi-drug, and costly, posing challenges especially in developing countries.
• Emerging drug resistance necessitates exploring alternative treatments like quinolones and macrolides.