Mycobacteria Leprae Infection
Bruce M. Wenig, MD
Key Facts
Terminology
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Infection caused by M. lepra characterized by cutaneous, mucosal, peripheral nerve involvement
Clinical Issues
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Peripheral nerve involvement results in pain and sensory loss
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Sinonasal tract involvement important in transmission of disease as numerous bacilli in nasal secretions
Microscopic Pathology
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Lepromatous leprosy
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Absence of granulomatous inflammation
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Presence of sheets of lymphocytes and vacuolated histiocytes (lepra cells)
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Abundant microorganisms
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Tuberculoid leprosy
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Noncaseating granulomatous inflammation
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Paucity of microorganisms
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Lepromatous leprosy shows a diffuse proliferation of vacuolated histiocytes (so-called lepra cells)  . In contrast to tuberculoid leprosy, well-formed granulomas are not present. |
Abundant red staining M. lepra microorganisms, in clusters and as individual organisms  , are present within the vacuolated histiocytes (lepra cells). |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
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Lepromatous leprosy (LL)
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Tuberculoid leprosy (TL)
Synonyms
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Hansen disease
Definitions
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Infection caused by Mycobacterium lepra characterized by cutaneous, mucosal, and peripheral nerve involvement
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Infectious Agents
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Mycobacterium lepra
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