Hansen's disease--an enigma

Abstract

Hansen's disease is an ancient condition that continues to remain endemic in several countries and also in parts of the United States. It has a varied clinical presentation that requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. The immune response of the patient is closely related to the presentation of the disease and is being used for immunotherapy and the development of a vaccine. The therapy regimen usually used is as recommended by the World Health Organization but several different regimens are undergoing trials to aid in decreasing the duration of therapy.