Editing Lepra

'''Lepra''' is a term used in the medical field to refer to a chronic infectious disease caused by ''[[Mycobacterium leprae]]'', an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes, apart from some other structures.

== Etymology ==
The term "lepra" is derived from the Greek word λέπρα, from λεπίς, "scale". It was used in ancient times to denote various skin diseases.

== Symptoms ==
Lepra, also known as [[Leprosy]], presents a wide range of symptoms. The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be managed and health complications can be averted.

== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of lepra is typically based on the clinical signs and symptoms. The presence of acid-fast bacilli on a [[Skin biopsy|skin smear]] or biopsy is indicative of lepra.

== Treatment ==
The treatment for lepra involves a long-term course of multi-drug therapy (MDT). The [[World Health Organization]] provides the MDT free of charge to all patients worldwide.

== See also ==
* [[Mycobacterium leprae]]
* [[Leprosy]]
* [[Skin biopsy]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
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