Leprosy Found to Impact Brain and Spinal Cord

Previously, it was believed that the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, responsible for leprosy, mainly impacted peripheral nerves, sparing the brain and spinal cord. However, the new research has revealed its potential to affect both the brain and //spinal cord (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
The spectrum of central nervous system manifestations in leprosy: a systematic review of published case reports and case series

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Central Nervous System (CNS) Involvement in Leprosy

This systematic review aimed to investigate central nervous system (CNS) involvement in leprosy by analyzing multiple cohort studies, individual cases and case series. A total of 34 records were identified, including 18 cohort studies and 16 reports describing 27 isolated cases.“Bacteria enters in a human body through respiratory passage via airborne route, causing leprosy in a normal person,” said Prof. R K Garg, HoD neurology at the KGMU. The research paper the spectrum of central nervous system manifestations in leprosy: A systematic review of published case reports and case series, was published in the journal The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. “Autopsies revealed macroscopic changes in the spinal cord. In 21 patients (78 percent) spinal cord/brachial plexus abnormalities were detected,” he said.

“For our conclusion, we evaluated studies describing autopsy/biopsy findings, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes, EEG evoked potentials and neuroimaging,” he added. The current treatment for leprosy is multidrug therapy (MDT). Asked if his finding calls for change in treatment, Garg said, currently there will not be any change in the treatment, but doctors need to have caution that brain and spinal cord may be affected that is now amply proven.

Leprosy is an ancient disease that has been documented in the literature of ancient civilizations. It is a chronic infectious disease caused by a specific type of bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae. The condition primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.

Reference:

1. The spectrum of central nervous system manifestations in leprosy: a systematic review of published case reports and case series - (https://academic.oup.com/trstmh/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/trstmh/trad072/7320461?redirectedFrom=fulltext)

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