VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
The disease depicted in the question is likely a form of leprosy, a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This condition affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, leading to characteristic histopathological findings and clinical manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Leprosy is characterized by the presence of foamy macrophages containing intracytoplasmic bacilli, known as lepra cells, in the skin and nerves. Plasma cells with Russell bodies, which are aggregates of immunoglobulin within the cytoplasm, are also commonly observed. The disease is caused by a gram-positive bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the cooler parts of the body. Nasal obstruction is a common complaint in lepromatous leprosy due to the involvement of the nasal mucosa. The treatment of choice for leprosy typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, for at least 12-18 months.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a form of vasculitis that affects small- to medium-sized blood vessels, typically involving the respiratory tract and kidneys. It is not associated with foamy macrophages or intracytoplasmic bacilli.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because granulomatosis with polyangiitis is not caused by a gram-positive bacillus.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because nasal obstruction is a common complaint in lepromatous leprosy, not granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because streptomycin and tetracycline are not the recommended treatment for leprosy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Leprosy is a classic example of a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from tuberculoid to lepromatous, depending on the host's immune response. It is essential to consider the histopathological findings and clinical presentation when diagnosing and treating leprosy.
**Correct Answer: D.**