How does the body react to leprosy?

The body's reaction to leprosy depends on the type of leprosy an individual has. There are two main types of leprosy: tuberculoid and lepromatous.

Tuberculoid leprosy:

- This is the less severe form of leprosy. The body develops skin lesions that are well-defined, slightly raised, and have clear borders.

- The immune system forms granulomas, which are small collections of immune cells that surround and isolate the bacteria. This helps to control the spread of the infection and prevents further damage to the skin and nerves.

- However, the affected areas may experience loss of sensation due to nerve damage.

Lepromatous leprosy:

- This is the more severe form of leprosy. It is characterized by widespread skin lesions that are flat, diffuse, and poorly defined.

- The immune system's response is weaker in lepromatous leprosy, allowing the bacteria to spread more extensively throughout the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs.

- Damage to nerves and tissues is more severe, resulting in significant loss of sensation, disfigurement, and potentially blindness if the infection reaches the eyes.

In both types of leprosy, the presence of Mycobacterium leprae bacteria triggers an immune response. However, the body's ability to control and contain the infection varies, which leads to different clinical manifestations and degrees of nerve damage. Early detection and treatment of leprosy are critical to prevent severe complications and promote recovery.