What Is Leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by bacterium Mycobacterium leprae that usually affects skin, peripheral nerves (usually in the limbs and face), upper airways and eyes. Another name for leprosy is Hansen’s disease (after Dr. G.A. Hansen who discovered it in 1873) (1).
The first sign of a disease is usually one or more discolored patches of the skin with reduced sensibility. Later, disfiguring plaques and nodules may appear. Because of damaged nerves in the limbs, affected person may lose a sense of touch and pain and may not be aware of injuries what may in long term lead to permanent damage of limbs.
continue reading What Is Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease): Cause, Facts, Epidemiology
