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Under what conditions does infection with Mycobacterium leprae develop into lepr

ID: 99939 • Letter: U

Question

Under what conditions does infection with Mycobacterium leprae develop into lepromatous leprosy? Select on of the following answers

a) with pre-existing immunity as a result of immunization

c) when the immune system develops a vigorous cell-mediated response

d) when there is a weak or low cell-mediated immune response

a) with pre-existing immunity as a result of immunization

b) when a strong antibody-mediated immune response develops

c) when the immune system develops a vigorous cell-mediated response

d) when there is a weak or low cell-mediated immune response

e) when the innate respond is vigorous enough to clear the infection

Explanation / Answer

Answer d) When there is a weak or low cell-mediated immune response.

Explanation: Depending on the host, severity of an infection of Mycobacterium leprae can range from the no infection to extreme case of leprosy.

How well bacteria grow in the body depends on genetics and the state of the immune system of host. Some individuals are more susceptible than others, for genetic reasons. Leprosy susceptibility has been shown to be determined by genetics by family and twin studies.Over 90% of the individuals infected with develop immunity without showing any of the symptoms. Those that are susceptible to disease do not necessarily have a general immunity deficiency.

The spectrum shows range of individuals that have T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 2 (TH2) immune responses capable of the killing M. leprae results in no infection, while those that are incapable of destroying the bacteria develop the more extreme lepromatous leprosy.