Leprosy

Key facts • Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. • The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. • The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. • Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). • Leprosy is reported from all the six WHO Regions; the majority of annual new case detections are from South-East Asia. Overview Leprosy is an age-old disease and is described in the literature of ancient civilizations. It is a chronic infectious disease which is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination. Scope of the problem Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases reported every year. Elimination of leprosy as a public health problem globally (defined as prevalence of less than 1 per 10 000 population) was achieved in 2000 (as per World Health Assembly resolution 44.9) and in most countries by 2010. The reduction in the number of new cases has been gradual, both globall...

Hansen’s disease, once known as leprosy, is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, skin, nose, and eyes. It is curable with antibiotics. But without early treatment, it can cause irreversible damage. In the past, people believed that Hansen’s disease could spread easily. Now, experts know that this is not true, and treatment can cure the infection. However, the treatment cannot reverse any existing damage. The bacteria responsible, called Mycobacterium leprae, grow very slowly and do not spread easily. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and have active lives during their treatment. In the United States, around 150 people receive a diagnosis of Hansen’s disease each year, according to the This article looks at the symptoms of Hansen’s disease, how doctors diagnose it, and the treatment options. Share on Pinterest a3701027/Getty Images The bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease grow slowly, and symptoms can take up to In time, a person In • temperature • light touch and pain • deep pressure The numbness can increase the risk of injuries and infections. The first skin changes usually involve one or a few patches of skin losing their color. Other skin changes include: • lightening or darkening • dryness or flakiness • signs of • a burning sensation • the growth of nodules • the formation of painless ulcers on the feet • thickened skin surrounding lesions • lumps or swellings of the face or earlobes The symptoms can vary from person to person. As we...

add arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up 82CF3E98-D323-4B3E-9EDD-EF2E73FB5C9E@1x cancel Close Icon down download email Icons / Social / Facebook filter home Icons / Social / Instagram left Icons / Social / LinkedIn 895A4639-EEE0-4BEB-B7D1-CAB21217861B@1x Menu Icon remove right Search tag tik-tok timeline-arrow-left translate Icons / Social / Twitter up Icons / Social / YouTube Leprosy is a mildly infectious disease. It is spread by a bacteria called M.leprae and most people are not at risk of developing leprosy if they are exposed to this bacteria. Who is at risk of developing leprosy? People of all ages, races, genders, and socio-economic levels can be diagnosed with leprosy. However, most people have an immune system that is strong enough to fight off the bacteria. Weakened immune systems can be caused by poor nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as by illness and genetics. Leprosy is primarily present across Leprosy is a disease that develops very slowly. It can be many years after a person is infected that they first begin to show symptoms. How can you be exposed to leprosy? Most people who develop leprosy have been in long-term contact with an infectious person, which means they live with or near them, or perhaps work with them. It is also possible to be exposed to leprosy through animals and through dirt. Do people with leprosy need to quarantine? Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have grown used to the idea that people must quarantine when they are sick. ...

Overview The Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Leprosy provide state-of-the-art knowledge and evidence on leprosy diagnosis, treatment and prevention based on a public health approach in endemic countries. The target audience of this document includes policy-makers in leprosy or infectious diseases in the ministries of health (especially but not limited to endemic countries), nongovernmental organizations, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, donors and affected persons. These leprosy guidelines have been developed by strictly following WHO's GRADE approach wherein all available evidence published in English has been taken into consideration. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS • • • •