Tubercular leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The spelling of this term is comprised of two words. Tubercular is pronounced as /tjʊˈbɜːrkjʊlər/ and is derived from the word tuberculosis, which indicates the presence of lesions or nodules in tissues. Leprosy is pronounced as /ˈlɛprəsi/ and refers to a disease that causes the loss of sensation and nerve damage. Tubercular leprosy is a more severe form of leprosy and is characterized by the presence of nodules, abscesses, and ulcers.
Tubercular leprosy, also known as lepromatous leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It is characterized by gradual, painless, and progressive destruction of the skin, nerves, and other organs in the body.
In this form of leprosy, the immune response is weak, allowing the bacteria to multiply freely. The bacteria primarily affect the skin, but can also target nerves, bones, and other organs, leading to a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms include the appearance of multiple, pale, and raised skin lesions with decreased sensation or numbness in affected areas. The loss of sensation can result in the inability to feel pain, temperature changes, or injuries, increasing the risk of secondary infections and injuries.
Tubercular leprosy is known for its characteristic skin lesions that have a tuber-like appearance, hence the name. As the disease progresses, these lesions become more widespread and severe, leading to disfigurement and loss of function in affected body parts. Additionally, tubercular leprosy may affect other organs and systems of the body, leading to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle atrophy, and eye problems, among others.
Tubercular leprosy can be transmitted through prolonged and close contact with an untreated individual who is actively shedding bacteria. However, the disease is not highly contagious, as most people have a natural immunity to M. leprae. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and treatment with multi-drug therapy are crucial to halt the progression of the disease, prevent disabilities, and promote recovery.
• A form affecting chiefly the skin and subcutaneous connective tissues, marked by the occurrence of nodules or tubercles, especially on the face and hands, which eventually ulcerate, as a rule.
• See under leprosy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tubercular leprosy" can be broken down into two parts: "tubercular" and "leprosy".
The term "tubercular" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "small swelling" or "nodule". It is most commonly associated with the Latin phrase "tubercula ossium", which refers to the tubercles or nodules that form on the bones.
The word "leprosy" originates from the Greek word "lepra", which means "scaly" or "scraped off". It was used to describe a chronic skin disease characterized by the appearance of disfiguring skin lesions.
Therefore, "tubercular leprosy" is a term used in medical literature to describe a specific type of leprosy that presents with prominent skin nodules or tubercles.