LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY Meaning and
Definition
-
Lepromatous leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium lepromatosis or Mycobacterium leprae. It is characterized by the formation of numerous lesions or nodules in the skin, peripheral nerves, and other tissues of the body. Lepromatous leprosy is considered the most severe and widespread form of leprosy.
In this form of leprosy, the immune response mounted against the invading bacteria is significantly impaired, leading to the uncontrolled growth and spread of the bacteria throughout the body. The lesions characteristic of lepromatous leprosy are infiltrated with large numbers of bacteria and are usually soft, pale, and painless. These lesions can range in size from small papules to larger nodules that may affect various parts of the body, including the face, limbs, and trunk.
As the disease progresses, lepromatous leprosy can cause significant damage to the skin, nerves, and other affected tissues, leading to sensory loss, muscle weakness, and disfigurement. If left untreated, it can result in irreversible disabilities and deformities. The extreme immune system malfunction associated with lepromatous leprosy leads to diminished ability to fight off other infections, making affected individuals more susceptible to secondary infections.
The treatment of lepromatous leprosy typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy in order to kill the bacteria and halt the progression of the disease. In addition, supportive care is provided to manage any complications or disabilities associated with the condition. Multidrug therapy, combining several antibiotics, is commonly used to ensure the most effective treatment outcomes.
Common Misspellings for LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY
- kepromatous leprosy
- pepromatous leprosy
- oepromatous leprosy
- lwpromatous leprosy
- lspromatous leprosy
- ldpromatous leprosy
- lrpromatous leprosy
- l4promatous leprosy
- l3promatous leprosy
- leoromatous leprosy
- lelromatous leprosy
- le-romatous leprosy
- le0romatous leprosy
- lepeomatous leprosy
- lepdomatous leprosy
- lepfomatous leprosy
- leptomatous leprosy
- lep5omatous leprosy
- lep4omatous leprosy
Etymology of LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY
The term "lepromatous leprosy" has a straightforward etymology related to the medical condition it describes. Let's break it down:
1. Leprosy: The word "leprosy" comes from the ancient Greek term "lepra", which means "scaly" or "scaly disease". This term was used to describe various skin diseases in ancient times. It later evolved to specifically refer to a chronic infectious disease called "Hansen's disease", caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.
2. Lepromatous: The term "lepromatous" refers to a specific form of leprosy, known as "lepromatous leprosy". It is characterized by a highly contagious and widespread progression of the disease, leading to severe disfiguration and nerve damage.
