History of leprosy
History of Leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (pronunciation: LEP-ruh-see), is a long-term infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and nerves. The disease has been known since ancient times and is associated with significant stigma.
Etymology
The term "leprosy" comes from the Greek word λέπρα (pronunciation: LEH-prah), which means "scaly", while "Hansen's disease" is named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who first identified the bacterium that causes the disease.
Ancient Times
The earliest possible account of a disease that many scholars believe is leprosy appears in an Egyptian Papyrus document written around 1500 BC. Indian texts from 600 BC also describe a disease that resembles leprosy.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, leprosy was a widespread health concern in Europe and the Middle East. Leprosy patients were often isolated in leprosy colonies due to the stigma associated with the disease.
Modern Times
In the late 19th century, Gerhard Armauer Hansen discovered the bacterium that causes leprosy. This led to the development of effective treatments and a decrease in the disease's prevalence.
Related Terms
- Mycobacterium leprae: The bacterium that causes leprosy.
- Leprosy colony: A place where people with leprosy were isolated.
- Infectious disease: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
- Skin: The outer covering of the body.
- Nerves: The part of the body that transmits signals between different parts of the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on History of leprosy
- Wikipedia's article - History of leprosy
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