Leprosy Training Module for Medical Officers

of these signs, nerve thickening by itself without sensory loss and / or muscle
weakness is often not a reliable sign of Leprosy.
Positive Skin Smear : In a small proportion of cases, rod shaped, red
stained Leprosy bacilli, which are diagnostic of the disease, may be seen in
the smears taken from the affected skin when examined under microscope
after appropriate staining.
NEVER diagnose leprosy when you are in doubt .
Ethical responsibilities in Leprosy diagnosis
It is important to remember that the diagnosis of Leprosy
is a very serious matter for the individual and his / her family.
If you are in the slightest doubt, avoid making diagnosis
and categorize the individual as ‘ suspect ’. Inform the
individual about the common signs and symptoms of the
disease and ask him / her to report back after six months, or if
there is any worsening of the signs and symptoms.
Alternatively, the individual may be referred to other
specialists.
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