Leprosy: not always an easy diagnosis and often a management challenge.
Leprosy is rare in Australia, particularly in the southern states. We report two cases of leprosy in southern Australia that presented to the dermatology outpatients' department within a 4-month period. The presentation of the first case was complex, making the correct diagnosis difficult. Both cases involved immigrants from South-East Asia, were classified as multi-bacillary leprosy as defined by the World Health Organization, and were commenced on the recommended multiple drug therapy. The ensuing clinical course was complicated, with both cases developing Type 1 leprosy reactions. The first case also developed the rare but serious dapsone-induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
Manifold
Rachel
R
Department of Dermatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia. rmanifol@bigpond.net.au
Marshman
Gillian
G
D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000473:pathology; D001415:Back / Q000473:pathology; D002991:Clofazimine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003622:Dapsone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000473:pathology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015439:Leprosy, Borderline / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007917:Leprostatic Agents; D003622:Dapsone; D002991:Clofazimine; D012293:Rifampin