A Case of New Manifestation of Leprosy Six Months after Immigration to Germany

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease mainly prevalent in subtropical and tropical areas, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It typically affects the skin and the peripheral nervous system. Leprosy presents in distinct clinical forms, depending on the immune response, elicited to combat Mycobacterium leprae. We report the case of a previously asymptomatic 28-year-old male from Sudan, who was admitted with since five months appearing progressive bilateral leg and hand edemas. Skin biopsy revealed a multibacillary mycobacterial granulomatous inflammation and molecular analysis for Mycobacterium leprae was positive, confirming the diagnosis of leprosy. This case emphasizes that leprosy can also appear in people from endemic areas immigrating asymptomatic to Europe, several months after immigration.