LUCIO PHENOMENON
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by the acid-fast bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Despite implementation of effective multidrug therapy, the new case detection rate remains high. The type of leprosy that patients develop is determined by their cell-mediated immune response to infection. Immunological reactions can occur throughout the disease course and often rapidly accelerate the nerve damage. Lucio phenomenon is a rare and potentially severe type of immunological reaction. We present a 71-year-old male patient diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy and Lucio phenomenon, presenting skin lesions and peripheral neuropathy during six years, that showed resolution of the lesions with appropriate therapy.
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References
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