A Case of Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy With Type One Lepra Reaction

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The variants that can be identified include tuberculoid (TT), borderline tuberculoid (BT), mid-borderline (BB), borderline lepromatous (BL), and lepromatous forms (LL). Type one lepra reactions are delayed hypersensitivity reactions that are often observed in borderline variants due to an unstable immunological response. They can exacerbate skin lesions and neuritis, leading to a higher risk of disabilities and deformities. Early detection and management would play a major role in limiting morbidity. Here, we present a case of a 46-year-old male diagnosed with borderline tuberculoid leprosy on multidrug therapy who developed features suggestive of type one lepra reaction. Early recognition of this entity helps in mitigating the risk of permanent nerve damage, disability, deformity, and morbidity.