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NExt microbiology: tuberculoid vs lepromatous infection

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Tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy are two distinct forms of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. These forms of leprosy represent opposite ends of the clinical spectrum and are characterized by differences in immune response, clinical presentation, and bacterial load. Here's a comparison between tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy: **Tuberculoid Leprosy:** 1. **Immune Response:**    - Tuberculoid leprosy is characterized by a strong cell-mediated immune response. T cells play a key role in controlling the infection, leading to limited bacterial growth. 2. **Clinical Presentation:**    - Skin lesions in tuberculoid leprosy are usually well-defined, hypopigmented or reddish, and show loss of sensation. Nerves can be affected, leading to nerve damage and sensory loss.    - There may be a few, asymmetric, and well-demarcated skin lesions.    - Nerve involvement can cause sensory loss and muscle weakness