Abstract
The chronic infectious condition known as leprosy is brought on by the
bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Peripheral nerves and the skin are frequently attacked,
which can result in impairments. The incidence of M. leprae infection has decreased in
endemic countries as a result of the WHO's multidrug therapy (MDT) program for
leprosy treatment, but there is still active transmission as evidenced by the high rate of
newly reported cases. It is critical to diagnose leprosy as early as possible, hence
clinical examination and research are required. Leprosy has six subgroups, according to
the Ridley-Jopling classification: Tuberculoid (TT), Borderline Tuberculoid (BT),
Borderline-borderline Mid-borderline (BB), Borderline-lepromatous (BL), Subpolar
Lepromatous (LLs), and Polar Lepromatous (LLp). Based on the type of therapy,
leprosy is categorised into paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary subtypes (MB). Skin
scraping smears are still the preferred laboratory test for leprosy diagnosis. Depending
on the type of leprosy, whether it belongs to the PB or MB group, the course of
treatment with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) is modified. Rifampicin and dapsone are
the recommended regimens for the treatment of PB type, whereas rifampicin, dapsone,
and clofazimine are recommended for MB-type patients. To identify an efficient MDT
treatment and stop the spread of the illness, a correct leprosy diagnosis must be made
by both a physical examination and a laboratory analysis.