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Book

Leprosy

Jenish Bhandari  1 , Mashal Awais  2 , Blake A. Robbins  3 , Vikas Gupta  4
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Leprosy

Jenish Bhandari et al.
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Excerpt

Leprosy is also referred to as Hansen disease. It is a chronic granulomatous infection generally caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, both of which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves.

"Mycobacterium leprae complex" comprises M. leprae and M. lepromatosis. Though both mycobacteria are classified as different species because of there DNA sequences, they both are obligate intracellular organisms and have many similar features causing the same clinical disease.

Leprosy is of great concern in the medical community. This disease is not highly contagious, contrary to belief, and treatment is readily available for this ailment. Through awareness and early medical intervention, significant reduction causing disability in the eyes, hands, and feet is possible. Relapses tend to be rare, but any damage caused by neuropathy is irreversible and may require lifelong care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Jenish Bhandari declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Mashal Awais declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Blake Robbins declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Vikas Gupta declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

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    1. Han XY, Sizer KC, Thompson EJ, Kabanja J, Li J, Hu P, Gómez-Valero L, Silva FJ. Comparative sequence analysis of Mycobacterium leprae and the new leprosy-causing Mycobacterium lepromatosis. J Bacteriol. 2009 Oct;191(19):6067-74. - PMC - PubMed
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