Diagnostic Challenges of Leprosy in Primary Health Care: A Brazilian Case Report

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Although it progresses slowly, it has a high potential to cause physical disabilities when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Brazil remains the second-highest contributor to the global burden of the disease. This study reports the case of a 37-year-old man who was diagnosed with leprosy five months after the onset of symptoms. During this period, several alternative diagnostic hypotheses were considered, resulting in a delay in initiating appropriate treatment and illustrating the diagnostic challenges associated with the disease. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for leprosy, particularly in endemic settings. Effective care coordination within primary health care plays a crucial role in the timely diagnosis, treatment adherence, and prevention of disabling sequelae associated with the disease.