Leprosy misdiagnosis in Tanzania An alarming situation should we concerned

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which affects skin and nerves. Misdiagnosis of leprosy has been reported in Tanzania, which is alarming considering the disease’s potential for serious complications. This commentary examines the available literature on leprosy misdiagnosis in Tanzania and its potential consequences. The results show that leprosy misdiagnosis is a significant problem in Tanzania, with diagnostic errors occurring at various stages of the disease. The causes of misdiagnosis include lack of knowledge among healthcare providers, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and patients’ reluctance to seek medical attention. The consequences of misdiagnosis include prolonged disease progression, disability, and stigma. To address this issue, efforts should be made to improve the training of healthcare providers on leprosy diagnosis, increase access to diagnostic facilities, and raise awareness among patients and the general public.