Leprosy
Leprosy
Leprosy (pronounced: /ˈlɛprəsi/), also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
Etymology
The term "leprosy" originates from the Greek word λέπρα (lépra), which means "a disease that makes the skin scaly" due to the appearance of skin lesions. The term "Hansen's disease" is named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who first identified the bacterium responsible for the disease.
Symptoms
Leprosy primarily affects the skin and nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called the peripheral nerves. It may also strike the eyes and the thin tissue lining the inside of the nose. The main symptom of leprosy is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that do not go away after several weeks or months.
Transmission
Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.
Treatment
Leprosy can be effectively treated with a combination of antibiotics, in a treatment known as multi-drug therapy (MDT). Early treatment avoids disability.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leprosy
- Wikipedia's article - Leprosy
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