Bianchini Academy Preventive Dermatology
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Introductory

Basic Clinical Leprology

Foundational competencies in the clinical recognition, WHO classification and multidrug therapy of leprosy (Hansen's disease) — a condition that remains underdiagnosed in migrant communities in the United States.

12 estimated instructional hours RNs, APRNs, PAs, and physicians serving migrant or underserved populations Online / remote
Why this course

Needs & context

Leprosy affects approximately 200,000 new cases annually worldwide and remains underdiagnosed in migrant communities in the United States. Professionals caring for Latin American, Caribbean, and African-origin populations benefit from foundational competencies in clinical recognition, WHO classification, and multidrug therapy to reduce diagnostic delay and disability.

Learning objectives

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

  • Identify the cardinal signs of leprosy and apply the WHO operational classification (paucibacillary/multibacillary) to clinical scenarios.
  • Differentiate Type 1 from Type 2 lepra reactions and select appropriate management strategies described in the literature.
  • Apply WHO multidrug therapy protocols to case-based scenarios.
  • Recognize the psychosocial impact of leprosy and identify evidence-based strategies to support quality of life.
  • Evaluate clinical presentations in elderly patients considering the interface between leprosy and aging skin.

Topics covered

  • Global epidemiology of leprosy and implications for migrant populations in the U.S.
  • WHO operational classification and Ridley–Jopling classification
  • Clinical recognition: cardinal lesions, peripheral nerve thickening, slit-skin smear
  • Type 1 and Type 2 lepra reactions — recognition and evidence-based management
  • WHO multidrug therapy protocols (current guidelines)
  • Particularities in elderly patients (dermatogerontological interface)
  • Psychosocial aspects and quality of life
  • Online post-assessment (10 questions, 70% to complete) and participant evaluation

References

  1. World Health Organization. Global leprosy (Hansen disease) update, 2022: new paradigm — control to elimination. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 2023;98(36):409-432.
  2. Rodrigues LC, Lockwood DNJ. Leprosy now: epidemiology, progress, challenges, and research gaps. Lancet Infect Dis. 2011;11(6):464-470.
  3. Deps PD, Lockwood DNJ. Leprosy presenting as a dermatological emergency. Emerg Med J. 2008;25(3):136-138.
  4. Lastória JC, Abreu MAMM. Leprosy: review of the epidemiological, clinical, and etiopathogenic aspects — Part 1. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):205-218.
  5. Talhari C, Talhari S, Penna GO. Clinical aspects of leprosy. Clin Dermatol. 2015;33(1):26-37.

Modality & credit. Delivered fully online/remotely. Upon completion of the post-assessment, participants receive a certificate of completion stating the estimated instructional hours. This certificate is not an accredited continuing-education credit — no ANCC, AMA, ACCME, Florida Board of Nursing or other state-board credit is offered or implied.

Scope. This course provides education in technique and clinical knowledge. Clinical application is subject to each participant's licensure, scope of practice, and state regulations.

Instructor disclosure. Leonardo Bianchini, MD (Brazil), PhD, RN — declares no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests related to the content of these educational activities. No commercial support was received for any course.