GGRB28H3 Lecture : lecture 5
Document Summary
Infectious disease that attacks the nervous system. - immune cells seals off infection (destroys sweat glands, hair follicles, skin"s sensitivity) - immune cells unable to destroy (bacteria multiplies freely within the skin) Attacks the cooler areas of the body (colour of skin changes, patchy red marks, progresses and degenerates, loses sensitivity of nerves/articulation) Destroys neurons in parts of the body - becomes numb and loses feeling. Causes cartilage in areas to get absorbed back into the body, causing fingers, toes, ears, noses to disappear. Tuberculoid: affects nerves in fingers, toes, and surrounding skin. Long incubation period (2 weeks to 30 years) signs of leprosy. Definite loss of sensation in the patch. Signs of damage to nerves (loss of sensation, weakness of muscles, visible deformity, large bumps on the skin that do not feel pain/do not heal) Eventually, people lose their fingers and toes and become disfigured. Physically/emotionally disabled - rejected from society and forced to live on their own.
