Could One Contract Leprosy Through Contact By Touch Just Once?

Posted on Fri, 1 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 1 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 5 Mar 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 57 year old woman on 50 mg Losartan for high bp. I recently came across a man with leprosy. He had lost his fingers and had boils all over his face. The encounter took place outdoors and was very brief; merely an exchange of a few words. I want to know if I should take a skin biopsy test to rule out infection? What other tests need to be taken? Also, can you get it through touch? I gave some money to him and I wonder if in taking it, he touched my fingers. I read it's contracted through coughing or sneezing. I did not see him do such thing. Since he has lost his fingers - at what stage of the disease is he and most importantly can he transmit it to others? It's supposed to be a slow-growing bacteria so can the tests determine it now?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please don't worry!

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I think you shouldn't worry because leprosy is actually not that contagious. You can catch it only if you come into close and repeated contact with nose and mouth droplets from someone with untreated leprosy and not just touched him with finger.
So, based on this it is not your case because you have a short contact with him and it is not necessary to get tested for leprosy.
Based on these above mentioned symptoms I think this is a severe form of leprosy.But in nowadays this is curable disease with antibiotics.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (6 hours later)

I would feel much better if there is a test that can confirm I was not exposed to the disease. What test should I take? The man with leprosy was a beggar on the street and I only offered some money. Does his symptoms of missong fingers and boils on the face indicate that he is infectious to others? I read that it takes 3-5 years for symptoms to appear so is there any test that can show if exposed to the disease now. I know the encounter was in the street and very brief but as humans we tend to be overly concerned and want to take all steps necessar to prevent it. y

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please don't worry!

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for my late response.

These symptoms could indicate that he is infectious but as I said before it is not so contagious.
Usually, the diagnosis of leprosy is often established from the clinical signs and symptoms of the patient.
So what you need is a careful skin exam and neurologic exam by a health-care professional. If a laboratory is available ( only if you have symptoms) skin smears or skin biopsies may be obtained for a more definitive diagnosis.

Other less commonly used tests include blood exams, nasal smears, and nerve biopsies.
Furthermore, I think you shouldn't worry because the risk of infection doesn't seem to exist in your case.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee