Bacterial Diseases (Diseases and Treatment)

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves.

Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination.

It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases reported each year. It is known to occur at all ages, ranging from early childhood to old age.

The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated case of leprosy, containing the causative agent, following prolonged, close contact.

The disease does not spread through casual contact (like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other). The patient stops transmitting the disease upon initiation of treatment.

It usually takes about 3 to 5 years for symptoms to appear after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause leprosy. The main symptom of leprosy is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that don't go away after several weeks or months. In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burns.

Leprosy is a curable disease. The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three medicines (dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine) and is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT).

Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. While various factors can cause jaundice, it's not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of underlying conditions.

Influenza: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, such as the nose, throat, and lungs.

Mumps: Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands, typically the parotid glands.

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of certain bacteria. Antibiotics work by destroying the cell walls of bacteria but it cannot treat viral infections as the virus does not have cell walls.

Penicillins are a group of antibacterial drugs that attack a wide range of bacteria. The discovery is attributed to Alexander Fleming. Penicillins were the first antibiotic that doctors used.

Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin is derived from salicylic acid. It is the most widely used mild analgesic. It helps relieve pain and swelling.

Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain.

Sulfadiazine belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and other organisms.

Penicillin and sulfadiazine are antibiotics.

Chloramphenicol is also known as chloronitromycin. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic drug used against serious infections such as typhoid fever.

Some are also used in the treatment of diabetes. Some of the sulfa drugs are Sulfonamide antibiotics sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfacetamide etc. Prontosil was the first sulfa drug discovered in 1932.

Some are also used in the treatment of diabetes. Some of the sulfa drugs are Sulfonamide antibiotics sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfacetamide etc. Prontosil was the first sulfa drug discovered in 1932.