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Diploma in Leprosy

  • 1 Colleges

Leprosy is a curable disease that is a result of infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae. .

Leprosy is a curable disease that is a result of infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. The disease primarily affects the skin, eyes, thin tissue inside the nose and peripheral nerves. It is an infectious disease which is transmitted via droplets. The symptoms of the disease include bumps and different skin pigmentation in the affected area. The patches of skin have reduced sensation of touch, a kind of numbness with the weakness in the affected area. The symptom may take around 1 year to get noticed but in some cases it can take around 20 years or more. Though the disease is curable with multi drug therapy it can prove to be fatal if left untreated. Permanent damage to skin can occur if timely medication is not given. Many notable research studies had been happening related to its treatment in the recent times. The first breakthrough was witnessed with the development of the medicine dapsone. With the advancement of the technology, rifampicin and clofazimine were discovered and given the nod for their usage in the treatment. This treatment regime was later labelled as multidrug therapy (MDT). MDT, which consists of three medicines: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine, got the recommendation of WHO in the year 1981. This is a widely acknowledged treatment regimen that lasts from 6 to 12 months depending upon the severity of the disease. 

Diploma in leprosy is taught as a single course in some institutes where as in other colleges, it is part of Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. The course is designed in such a manner that student can gain proficiency in both theoretical and training aspect of this field. The fundamental element of the course includes frequent seminars, case presentations, clinical audits, intensive didactic lectures, clinicopathological conference, file rounds, documentation, preparation of symposia and many other training programs to equip students will the necessary skillsets. The course includes deep understanding of anatomy of human skin, functions of skin, epidemiology of skin diseases, molecular biology, inflammation, structure, biochemistry, microbiology of Mycobacterium Leprae, Histopathology, Immunotherapy, HIV infections, Pathogenesis and many other topics. All training modules are designed to cater for the demands of the course which include relevant knowledge of recent development in the treatment regimen which include National leprosy control and Elimination programme. The curriculum will also help student to get the necessary proficiency in understanding the disabilities, deformities and rehabilitation associated with leprosy. It prepares student in all skill sets be it clinical skills, or diagnosis skill, or preventive skills. Overall, it is thoroughly guided and highly supervised course which is designed by keeping all aspects in focus. 

The course can be taken by the candidates who have completed their 10+2 with biology as a primary subject. The admission is based on the entrance exam scorecard be it state level, or national level. The length of the course is two years. After the completion of the course, student is required to obtain a certificate from state medical council to practice as a specialist in either private institution or government institution. The career in this domain is a very rewarding one as they can seek very high profile jobs.

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