Hansen's bacillus causes?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Hansen's bacillus is the common name for the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, named after Gerhard Armauer Hansen who discovered it in 1873.
This bacterium is the direct causative agent of Leprosy, which is also known as Hansen's disease.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, and the testes.
The organism is an acid-fast bacillus with a characteristic neurotropism, meaning it has a predilection for nerve cells.

Option B: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is a different species within the same genus as the leprosy bacillus.
Option C: Thromboembolism is a vascular condition, not an infectious disease. It occurs when a blood clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream to block another vessel.
Option D: Guinea worm disease (Dracunculiasis) is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode worm Dracunculus medinensis, not a bacterium.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary nursing role in leprosy management is the administration of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) and educating the patient on the importance of completing the full course of treatment to achieve a cure and prevent drug resistance.
Patient education on self-care is critical to prevent injuries and disabilities. Due to sensory loss, patients must be taught to regularly inspect their hands and feet for wounds they cannot feel.
Nurses play a vital role in counseling patients and their families to reduce the social stigma associated with leprosy, which often leads to social exclusion.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of microbiology.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: "Hansen's bacillus".
Recall that many diseases and their causative agents are named after their discoverers. "Hansen's bacillus" causes "Hansen's disease".
Recognize that "Hansen's disease" is the modern and preferred term for Leprosy.
Scan the options to find the correct match, which is "Leprosy".
Mentally eliminate the other options by recalling their causes: Tuberculosis is caused by a different mycobacterium, thromboembolism is non-infectious, and Guinea worm disease is parasitic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1445-1447

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 122-124

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 90-92

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.