​Leprosy that was recently in news is caused by which bacteria?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (d) Mycobacterium leprae

• Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes, and eyes.

• It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.

• This bacterium is an acid-fast, slow-growing organism that affects the nervous system and causes disfigurement if not treated properly.

• Leprosy was once considered highly contagious, but recent studies have shown that it spreads only after prolonged exposure to untreated individuals.

• The disease is treatable with a multi-drug therapy (MDT) regimen provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Mycobacterium leprae is a slow-growing bacterium that can survive in cooler areas of the body, like the skin and peripheral nerves.

• The disease has been in the news due to efforts in eradication and its declining prevalence in India.

• India has made significant progress in reducing the number of leprosy cases through the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

• Leprosy primarily manifests in two forms: tuberculoid (less contagious) and lepromatous (more severe and contagious).

• Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine are crucial for preventing disability.

• Streptococcus pneumoniae: This bacterium causes pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections, not leprosy.

• Salmonella typhi: This bacterium causes typhoid fever, which leads to symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, but not leprosy.

•  Escherichia coli: Known for causing gastrointestinal infections and urinary tract infections, E. coli is unrelated to leprosy.