M. leprae infection is one that occurs for the most part in human beings. But, in 1975 there were nine armadillos that were identified as a carrier of this disease. These armadillos were infested with large quantities of the harmful bacilli in their nasal secretions and mammary ducts meaning transmission primarily occurred through nasorespiratory routes and the mother’s milk. Lesions associated with the disease were found on the armadillo's body producing another proposed idea of a transmission method. Researchers think that “the major source of spread infection is probably nasal secretions of those infected with lepromatous that have huge numbers of bacilli in the nasal cavity”(Wathen 3). Another transdermal way of spreading the diseas

The tuberculoid type has three different clinical variations: the macular, the micropapular, and major tuberculoid. It is usually difficult to tell the difference between the macular variety and the indeterminate type. In order for one to tell the difference a doctor must perform a histologic examination of the hypochromic and erythematous lesions that appear. “In the micropapular variety, erythematous spots appear except these lesions appear to be more severe with irregular borders consisting of small papules”(Hastings 67). “These lesions are both anhidrotic and lack sensitivity as they develop a geographic aspect”(Domonkos 305). The most severe tuberculoid type is the major tuberculoid variety. “This variety consists of many raised, easily noticed nodules or plaques”(Domonkos 306). They are erythematous and usually have a color varying between rose to purplish red. They will often have a soft consistency with a smooth surface.

The next variety is much more extensive than the diffuse variety. In the infiltrative variety, the largest organ in the human body becomes totally involved, and in some extreme cases, even the scalp. This variety looks much like the diffuse variety only with addition of infiltrative areas. “Normal places where skin is stretched are accentuated to the point that they produce the well known leonine facies” (Domonkos 304). Then, on the legs, hyperkeratosis is seen numerous times, with scales and fissures occurring along with hyper-pigmentation.

The variety known as the nodular variety frequently involves the macular infiltrative types and rarely the diffuse variety. Nodules can be found on top of the lesions and they are usually the color white. Occasionally one can find these lesions subcutaneously, able to be detected only by palpation. The skin covering these lesions vary between being hard and soft and color variates as well. In most cases of this variety there will be lesions of the eyes, where corneal and conjunctival infiltrations and extensions of the disease into the optic lobe may lead to blindness, shrinking, or ulceration of the eye. Mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat are extremely affected. “By far though, the most common lesions of the nose are infiltrations and nodules. These nodules may often occur in the throat causing nodules on the vocal cords, which interfere with respiration at times”(Domonkos 304).

Some topics in this essay:
States” CDC, Armauer Hansen, Therapy Community, Central America, Leprosy Hansen’s, lepromatous type, type lepromatous type, tuberculoid type, borderline type, Mycobacterium Leprae, type lepromatous, hansen’s disease, Rifampicin Clofazimine, skin nerves, diffuse variety, mycobacterium leprae, indeterminate type, infected individual, borderline type lepromatous, tuberculoid type lepromatous,