Hansen’s bacillus causes?

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

Explanation

Hansen's bacillus is the eponym for Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy.
The disease is also called Hansen's disease in honor of its discoverer, Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who identified the bacillus in 1873.
This bacterium has a strong affinity for peripheral nerves and skin, leading to the characteristic signs of leprosy.

Option B: Tuberculosis is caused by a different species of mycobacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Option C: Thromboembolism is a cardiovascular condition involving blood clots, not a bacterial infection.
Option D: Guinea worm disease is a parasitic infection caused by a nematode worm, Dracunculus medinensis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Leprosy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying the causative agent of a disease is the first step in diagnosis, treatment, and implementing public health measures to control its spread.
Differentiating between diseases with similar initial symptoms (like skin lesions) is crucial. Knowing that leprosy is caused by M. leprae and has a long incubation period helps in contact tracing and management.
What if? If a patient presents with skin lesions and nerve involvement, but the biopsy is negative for acid-fast bacilli, other diagnoses like sarcoidosis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, or fungal infections must be considered. The treatment and prognosis would be entirely different.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Hansen’s bacillus'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical eponyms (diseases or organisms named after people).
Recall or deduce the disease associated with Hansen. The name 'Hansen's disease' is a common alternative for leprosy.
Evaluate the options. 'Leprosy' directly matches the recalled information.
Briefly consider the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Tuberculosis is caused by Koch's bacillus, thromboembolism is a clot, and Guinea worm is a parasite. This confirms the initial answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

qTbZrrHaBKMTYnFDd9U-2

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.