The first system recognizes three types of leprosy: tuberculoid, lepromatous, and borderline. In the Old Testament of the Bible, leprosy is frequently referred to as an ailment afflicting not just humans, but also houses and fabric. It affects principally the skin, the upper respiratory tract, peripheral nerves in the hands and feet, and the eyes. (2007). https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/44/8/1096/298106. The four strains of M. leprae are based in specific geographic regions. Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes skin lesions and numbness in the extremities, although contrary to popular belief, it does not cause limbs to rot and fall off. We’ll tell you about the symptoms, causes, and treatments. How is it transmitted? Leprosy - Leprosy - History: People tend to think of leprosy as a tropical disease because most cases today are found in less-developed countries, which are mainly in the tropics. It is a disease that still exists today. … © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Others have noticed that there was little or no contact with infected persons. Leprosy is curable with a combination of drugs known as multidrug therapy (MDT), as the treatment of leprosy with only one antileprosy drug (monotherapy) will result in development of drug resistance to that drug. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, an armadillo native to the southern United States and Mexico can also carry the disease and transmit it to humans. It’s thought that leprosy spreads through contact with the mucosal secretions of a person with the infection. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). The main symptom of leprosy is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that don’t go away after several weeks or months. Leprosy is a bacterial infection that grows very slowly and can have severe health consequences if treatment is not received. Leprosy has been around since ancient times. It helps treat leprosy skin nodules. The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease is a chronic,mildly communicable disease caused by infectiona from Mycobacterium leprae, a rod-shaped, acid-fast bacillus. However, proper treatment is still necessary to prevent any further body damage and prevent the spread of the disease to others. LEPROSY (IN THE BIBLE) Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is the only sickness whose traditional complex of social, legal, religious, and hagiographical aspects have made its history inseparable from that of the Bible and the Church. This could include steroids, like prednisone. Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to fight infections caused by bacteria. Leprosy is a contagious disease that affects the skin and can cause a lack of ability to feel pain. Doctors recommend long-term treatment, usually for 6 months to a year. (2014). The disease results in nerve damage, ulcers, and weakness and it can cause severe disfigurement. Scollard D, et al. What is the treatment of leprosy disease? There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition. Leprosy (also called Hanses's disease) is usually treated with oral antibiotics for six months to two years, although the duration of treatment depends on the clinical circumstances and the choice of regimen. This is called a skin biopsy. Leprosy Definition Leprosy is a slowly progressing bacterial infection that affects the skin, peripheral nerves in the hands and feet, and mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes. Leprosy is common in many countries, especially those with tropical or subtropical climates. The disease mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. Learn more. There are three systems for classifying leprosy. [ lĕp ′rə-sē ] A slowly progressive, chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, that damages nerves, skin, and mucous membranes, and can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformity if untreated. The disease mainly 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. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. Leprosy is an ancient disease, perhaps most famously noted in the Bible and experienced by ancient civilizations. ", Merck Manual Home Edition, online version: "Leprosy. Now very treatable, the … Indeterminate leprosy may resolve or progress further to one of the five forms of leprosy within the Ridley-Jopling system. The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Leprosy is an ancient disease with evidence of its existence dating back to approximately 2000 B.C. 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