|Description:||This image depicts the dorsal surface of the hands of a patient with a case of nodular lepromatous leprosy, which under the newer World Health Organization (WHO) standards, is classified as multibacillary (MB), leprosy. The digits of both hands had been eroded over the course of the illness, and you’ll note that the skin exhibited numerous cutaneous nodules, which were indicative of late-stage disease. This illness is caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae.|
MB leprosy is characterized by generalized, or diffuse involvement of the skin. Under microscopic examination, one will find a thickening of the peripheral nerves. This condition has the potential to involve other organs including the eyes, nose, testes, and bone. Ulcerated nodules release large numbers of M. leprae bacteria.