01632nas a2200169   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042100001100054700001400065700001400079245003400093856006400127300001200191490000800203520123700211022001401448       2023                            d  c07/20231 aBach K1 aHinshaw M1 aShields B00aLeprosy in the Upper Midwest.  uhttps://wmjonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/122/3/205.pdf  a205-2070 v1223 a<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Leprosy is a life-threatening infection caused by&nbsp;<em>Mycobacterium leprae</em> with an average 5-year long incubation period. It is curable when treated early. Early diagnosis requires knowledge of its myriad clinical features as risk factors may not be readily apparent.</p>

<p><strong>Case Presentation: </strong>We report the case of a male patient from Wisconsin who tested positive for leprosy without a known exposure or recent travel to endemic areas.</p>

<p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The clinical presentation of leprosy exists on a spectrum and correlates with cell immunity levels. The Ridley-Jopling and World Health Organization classifications are used to define leprosy subtypes and guide treatment. Histopathologic examination may aid in diagnosis of suspicious presentations.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Leprosy may present with nonspecific clinical features and elevated inflammatory markers leading to a misdiagnosis. It should be considered on the differential diagnosis for suspicious presentations and appropriately worked up with various diagnostic modalities. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment may prevent spread and permanent damage.</p>
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