Which is the infectious disease that leads to wasting of body parts?

MNS 2015

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Medium

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, has a unique affinity for peripheral nerves (neurotropism), especially in cooler parts of the body like the extremities.
This nerve damage leads to a loss of sensation (anesthesia), particularly in the hands and feet.
Without the protective sensation of pain, affected individuals sustain repeated injuries (cuts, burns, pressure sores) that go unnoticed.
These chronic injuries, combined with secondary infections and impaired healing, lead to tissue destruction, bone resorption, and eventual shortening or loss (autoamputation) of digits and other extremities, which is described as 'wasting of body parts'.

Option B: Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. While it can cause systemic symptoms like fatigue and weight loss, it does not cause the localized destruction and loss of extremities.
Option C: Tuberculosis can cause a severe, generalized wasting of the entire body (muscle and fat loss), a condition known as cachexia. Historically, this was called 'consumption.' However, it does not cause the specific, localized loss of body parts like fingers and toes.
Option D: Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that causes profuse, watery diarrhea. The 'wasting' seen in cholera is rapid and severe dehydration due to massive fluid loss, not the chronic destruction of tissue and bone.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of infectious diseases, specifically tissue destruction mechanisms helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy with multi-drug therapy (MDT) are critical to prevent irreversible nerve damage and the resulting disabilities and deformities.
A key nursing intervention is patient education on meticulous self-care for anesthetic limbs. This includes daily self-inspection for injuries, wearing protective footwear, and using tools carefully to prevent injuries that the patient cannot feel.
The social stigma associated with the deformities of leprosy is a major challenge, and nurses play a vital role in providing psychosocial support and community education.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'infectious disease' and 'wasting of body parts.'
Recognize that the phrase 'wasting of body parts' is specific. It implies localized destruction or loss of tissue (like fingers or toes), not just general weight loss.
Evaluate each option based on its primary pathology and the type of 'wasting' it causes.
Recall that Cholera causes acute dehydration, Viral Hepatitis affects the liver, and Tuberculosis causes generalized cachexia (consumption).
Identify that Leprosy is uniquely known for its attack on peripheral nerves, leading to loss of sensation and subsequent trauma-induced deformities and autoamputation of extremities.
Conclude that Leprosy is the only option that matches the specific description of localized 'wasting of body parts.'

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of infectious diseases, specifically tissue destruction mechanisms.
Stem keywords: infectious disease, wasting of body parts
Lead-in keywords: Which is

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