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Leprosy: A great imitator
Nihal Kundakci1, Cengizhan Erdem1
1Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Ankara, Turkey.
Clinics in Dermatology
|June 11, 2019
Summary
Leprosy remains a global health concern despite reduced rates, with 214,783 new cases reported in 2016. Early consideration of leprosy in differential diagnosis is crucial for timely and practical patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Leprosy, a rare disease, is often overlooked in medical education despite ongoing global incidence.
- The World Health Organization has implemented control strategies, yet new cases persist, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of including leprosy in medical curricula.
- To highlight leprosy's diagnostic challenges and its role as a differential diagnosis for various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of global leprosy case detection data from 2016.
- Analysis of leprosy's immunologic properties and its presentation as a "great imitator".
Main Results:
- In 2016, 214,783 new leprosy cases were reported across 143 countries, indicating a global detection rate of 2.9 per 100,000 population.
- Leprosy shares clinical and immunological similarities with diseases like syphilis, mycosis fungoides, cutaneous tuberculosis, and sarcoidosis.
Conclusions:
- Despite reduced prevalence, leprosy requires continued attention in medical education and clinical practice.
- Recognizing leprosy as a potential diagnosis is essential for effective patient management, given its complex presentation.
