Leprosy

Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease), is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa. The disease is caused by a bacillus (rod-shaped) bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae).

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves and the upper part of the airway, or the testes. It is transmitted by prolonged contact, usually through aerosols containing the nasal secretions, or droplets from these fluids. However, 95% of people are naturally immune to the infection. It can also be transmitted from mother to child via the placenta.

Leprosy Diagnosis and Classification

Leprosy Epidemiology

Leprosy Prevention and Vaccination

Leprosy Treatment

Forms of Leprosy

Genetics and Susceptibility to Leprosy

Signs and Symptoms of Leprosy

History of Leprosy

Leprosy Causes

Leprosy Complications

Notable Cases of Leprosy

See more featured articles »

Leprosy Research

Leprosy Stigma

Latest Leprosy News and Research

World Health Organization, Sanofi sign new agreement to eliminate neglected tropical diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Sanofi – one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies – have signed a new agreement for donations of medicines to sustain specific efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

15 Dec 2020

Possible new antibiotic developed for drug-resistant pulmonary pathogen

Scientists from Johns Hopkins University and Medicine have developed a possible new antibiotic for a pathogen that is notoriously resistant to medications and frequently lethal for people with cystic fibrosis and other lung ailments.

8 Dec 2020

Illustrations by Nigerian artist kickstart debate on neglected tropical disease

Illustrations by a local artist in Nigeria are helping health workers and policy makers understand what it's really like to live with a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

5 Nov 2020

Scientists discover new method to retrieve lost single-cell RNA-sequencing information

Sequencing RNA from individual cells can reveal a great deal of information about what those cells are doing in the body. MIT researchers have now greatly boosted the amount of information gleaned from each of those cells, by modifying the commonly used Seq-Well technique.

14 Oct 2020

Countries should step-up leprosy prevention initiatives to accelerate decline in new cases

New cases of leprosy are decreasing, but not at the anticipated rate. In order to accelerate the annual decline, countries should screen contacts and treat eligible contacts with single-dose rifampicin, as recommended by the World Health Organization in its guidelines.

8 Sep 2020

A road map to find unanswered questions about COVID-19

There are many unanswered questions about COVID-19. A Kansas State University infectious disease scientist and collaborators are offering a possible research road map to find the answers.

15 May 2020

Global funding for neglected disease research reaches a record high

For the first time, global funding for neglected disease R&D grew for three consecutive years, reaching a record high of more than US$4.05 billion in 2018.

30 Jan 2020

Deadly infection in cystic fibrosis could be curbed with combination medication

Researchers from Aston University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital have developed a new medication regimen that could successfully treat a bacterial infection that could prove fatal to patients with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. The results of the new study were published in the latest issue of the journal Scientific Reports.

27 Jan 2020

Study shows non-TB lung infections rising; more in women and older people

Each year, more and more people are getting mycobacterial lung infections, and the total number living with such diseases is going up, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Those at greatest risk are people above the age of 65 years and the elderly.

15 Dec 2019

Novartis announces strategy to broaden patient reach and availability of medicines in sub-Saharan Africa

Novartis announced today a new strategy to broaden patient reach and availability of its portfolio of medicines in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to the largest underserved patient population in the world.

13 Nov 2019

Scientists review benefits and challenges of using film in public health research

The research community is increasingly recognizing video as more than just a medium to disseminate scientific findings after a study's conclusion.

25 Sep 2019

Researchers develop new method to accurately identify nontuberculous mycobacteria

The bacterial genus Mycobacterium has the dubious honor of including species responsible for two of the best-known chronic human infectious diseases: tuberculosis and leprosy.

30 Jul 2019

Medical students improve Wikipedia articles on skin-related diseases

A group of medical students recruited to improve Wikipedia articles on skin-related diseases, saw millions more views of those stories following their editing, highlighting the value of expert input on the popular web encyclopedia.

4 Apr 2019

Mayo clinic researchers discuss local case studies of leprosy

Leprosy has a history that has spanned centuries and societies across the globe. Yet, it continues to be a problem -- even in the modern era.

21 Feb 2019

Researchers discover promising new compound against Buruli ulcer

Buruli ulcer - one of the most neglected among the NTDs - is a debilitating and stigmatizing disease. Affecting mainly children in West and Central Africa, the chronic disease results in devastating skin lesions and can lead to permanent disfigurement and long-term disabilities.

18 Dec 2018