infections
Leprosy
Classification of leprosy
Leprosy can be classified by the type and number of skin areas affected: Paucibacillary:People with paucibacillary leprosy have 5 or fewer affected skin areas. No bacteria can be detected in samples taken from these areas. Multibacillary:People with multibacillary leprosy have 6 or more affected skin areas and/or have bacteria detected in samples taken from an affected area. Leprosy can also be classified based on the symptoms people have and other findings: Tuberculoid:People with tuberculoid leprosy typically have few skin areas affected (paucibacillary), and the disease is milder, less common, and less contagious. Lepromatous:People with lepromatous leprosy typically have more skin areas affected (multibacillary), and the disease is more severe, common, and contagious. Borderline:People with borderline leprosy have features of tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy. In both classifications, the type of leprosy determines the following: How well people fare in the long term What complications are likely How long antibiotic treatment is needed 