Question

Which of the following organisms is the causative agent of Hansen's disease (leprosy)? A. Pseudomonas aeruginosaB. Mycobacterium aviumC. Mycobacterium lepraeD. Mycobacterium smegmatis

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Mycobacterium leprae

Explanation:

• Mycobacterium leprae is the causative organism for Hansen's disease (leprosy).
• Mycobacterium leprae is a rod-shaped bacteria which is quite common in warm tropical countries.
• It is an intracellular pathogen which can cause an either tuberculoid or lepromatous form of leprosy with an incubation period varying from 9 months to 20 years.
• The bacteria are capable of affecting the skin, eyes, nerves, etc.
• The disease can be treated effectively however if left untreated the bacteria are capable of causing a crippling nerve damage.