Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. Effective chemotherapy has made leprosy a curable disease today.
Multidrug Therapy (MDT) recommended by WHO is the standard treatment:
• Rifampicin – Highly bactericidal, key drug in therapy
• Dapsone – Inhibits bacterial folate synthesis
• Clofazimine – Anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory action
Treatment Regimen:
• Paucibacillary (PB) Leprosy: Rifampicin + Dapsone for 6 months
• Multibacillary (MB) Leprosy: Rifampicin + Dapsone + Clofazimine for 12 months or more
Goals of Chemotherapy:
• Kill M. leprae organisms
• Prevent drug resistance
• Reduce transmission
• Prevent disability and complications
Early diagnosis and adherence to therapy ensure complete cure and social rehabilitation.
Leprosy is completely curable and neither this disease nor the people affected by it deserve the stigma at this day and age. Lets raise awareness and eradicate it.
Great overview. The role of MDT in effectively treating leprosy and preventing drug resistance is really significant and early detection is crucial for better outcomes .
Great share! Once a person starts MDT, they are no longer infectious. The real challenge today isn’t the bacteria—it’s the stigma. We need to treat leprosy like any other curable infection so that people aren’t afraid to seek the help they need.
Multidrug Therapy (MDT) recommended by WHO is the standard treatment:
Treatment Regimen:
Goals of Chemotherapy: