Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It can remain dormant in a patient without any symptoms until triggered by a stressor on the body. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a significant amount of emotional and psychological stress was endured by patients. In addition, many patients experienced exacerbations of their preexisting conditions. Few reports have described cases of leprosy with concurrent COVID-19. This brief article presents a case of newly diagnosed leprosy in a middle-aged male following a COVID-19 infection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of its kind in the United States.
Highlights
As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rise globally, more information is being brought to light regarding the relationship between COVID19 and leprosy
Known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae that spreads via respiratory droplets.[3]
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019
Summary
As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rise globally, more information is being brought to light regarding the relationship between COVID19 and leprosy. Known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae that spreads via respiratory droplets.[3]. Infections and stress are thought to be triggers for leprosy reactions.[6]. While early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications can cure an individual with leprosy, it may create susceptibility to COVID-19 by changing a patient’s cytokine profile.[1,5,7,8]. We present a case of newly diagnosed leprosy post-COVID-19 infection in a middleaged male. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of its kind in the United States. The patient reported that he migrated from Guyana three years ago and did not have a history of or exposure to leprosy.
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