From the Research
Tuberculoid leprosy is characterized by asymmetric peripheral nerve involvement, which is a key feature of this condition. This form of leprosy typically presents with a few well-defined, hypopigmented skin lesions that have raised borders and reduced sensation, and is often associated with significant nerve involvement, leading to peripheral nerve thickening and sensory loss in affected areas 1. The immune response in tuberculoid leprosy involves a robust cell-mediated (Th1) response that effectively contains the bacteria, resulting in few organisms present in lesions (paucibacillary) 2.
Some of the key features of tuberculoid leprosy include:
- Asymmetric peripheral nerve involvement
- Hypopigmented skin lesions with raised borders and reduced sensation
- Limited number of skin lesions
- Significant nerve involvement, leading to peripheral nerve thickening and sensory loss in affected areas
- Robust cell-mediated (Th1) immune response
The treatment of tuberculoid leprosy typically involves a multidrug therapy regimen of dapsone and rifampin for 6-12 months, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and disability 1. The strong immune response that characterizes tuberculoid leprosy explains both its limited spread within the body and the significant nerve damage that can occur due to the inflammatory response against bacteria in peripheral nerves 3.
In terms of the options provided, option C (Peripheral nerves are involved asymmetrically) is the correct answer, as this is a key feature of tuberculoid leprosy 1, 4. The other options are not accurate descriptions of tuberculoid leprosy. Option A (Skin lesions are nodules and raised plaques) is not specific to tuberculoid leprosy, and option B (The Lepromin test is negative) is not always true, as some patients with tuberculoid leprosy may have a positive Lepromin test 3. Option D (Hair follicles are absent in affected skin lesions) is not a characteristic feature of tuberculoid leprosy, and option E (Smear-negative cases can be treated with steroid) is not a recommended treatment approach for tuberculoid leprosy 5.