In long treated lepromatous patients, site from where bacilli are most frequently detected is -
Leprosy (Hansen disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by prolonged exposure to Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, slow-growing, fastidious bacillus. Leprosy primarily occurs in tropical and/or developing countries and is rarely observed in the US. There are various forms whose descriptions differ among two different classification systems, but the three cardinal clinical manifestations of leprosy are hypopigmented skin lesions, nerve thickening, and peripheral nerve palsies. Long-standing cases of leprosy classically develop deformities as a result of contractures following motor nerve palsies and/or repeated injury due to sensory loss and also bacteria are found in the dorsum of fingers. Other chronic complications include uveitis, orchitis, and nasal septal perforation. Patients with leprosy may also present with acute lepra reactions that are characterized by painful skin lesions and neuritis. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with the help of a biopsy. Lepromin tests aid in the classification of various forms of leprosy. Treatment consists of prolonged MDT (multi-drug therapy) with dapsone and rifampin. Clofazimine is added to the therapeutic regimen in patients with multibacillary leprosy Ref Harrison20th edition pg 1056
Nasal mucosa
Ear lobe
Dorsum of fingers
Skin lesion
Infection