NONTUBERCULATED LEPRA Meaning and
Definition
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Nontuberculated lepra refers to a skin condition characterized by the absence of tubercles. Tubercles are small, rounded, firm nodules or lesions that may be raised or flat, and are typically associated with certain diseases, such as tuberculosis.
In the case of nontuberculated lepra, the absence of these nodules distinguishes it from other forms of leprosy, which are characterized by the presence of tubercles. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes, and the eyes.
Nontuberculated lepra manifests as a milder form of leprosy, typically exhibiting darker or lighter patches of discolored skin with reduced or no sensation in those areas. The affected skin may have a rough texture or exhibit a loss of hair. Other symptoms may include numbness, the presence of small papules or nodules, and thickening of nerves.
Nontuberculated lepra is generally categorized into three subtypes: indeterminate, tuberculoid, and borderline. Indeterminate leprosy refers to early and mild cases, where skin lesions are often ill-defined and may spontaneously heal without medical intervention. Tuberculoid leprosy presents with well-defined skin lesions, sensory loss, and a strong immune response against the bacteria. Borderline leprosy falls between the indeterminate and tuberculoid forms, with intermediate characteristics in terms of the severity of symptoms and immune response.
While nontuberculated lepra is a less severe form of leprosy compared to other types, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential complications and disabilities associated with
Common Misspellings for NONTUBERCULATED LEPRA
Etymology of NONTUBERCULATED LEPRA
The term "nontuberculated lepra" is a medical term that is no longer in common usage. It has its roots in Latin and Greek.
- "Non" is a Latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- "Tuberculated" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "small swelling" or "pustule".
- "Lepra" comes from the Greek word "lepros", which means "scaly" or "scaly disease". It is the origin of the English word "leprosy", which refers to a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.
So, "nontuberculated" means "not having small swellings" or "without pustules", while "lepra" refers to a scaly disease.
