Leprosy is a bacterial infection. In ancient times it was a feared disease. Nowadays, effective treatments exist. However, resistance to the treatments has been reported and high numbers of cases worldwide have led to global concern. Hence, new therapies are always needed.
Disease: Leprosy
Last update: May 2005
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Leprosy is a bacterial disease that has struck fear into human beings since ancient times. It is characterised by grainy, ulcerating lesions on the hands, feet and back, loss of feeling due to nerve damage and a slimy nasal discharge.
Many long-term leprosy sufferers lose the use of their hands and feet, due to the repeated injuries that arise from loss of sensation. -
Who gets it?
Leprosy is still common in many countries around the world, though seventy-five per cent of all new cases occur in South East Asia. The disease has a very long incubation period so it is often difficult to determine exactly where and when it was contracted.
Children are more susceptible than adults to contracting the disease. -
What can be done about it?
Leprosy is one of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) targeted diseases for total elimination. Nowadays, early recognition and effective treatments are able to limit the damage caused by the disease. Patients on long-term medication become non-infectious and can lead normal lives.
Treatments consist of antibacterial agents combined with other treatments to reduce the symptoms of the condition. -
What does the future hold?
The emergence of resistant strains of the bacteria that cause leprosy means that new therapies constantly need to be developed.
There is currently research under way into the use of a vaccine to control the spread of leprosy, but more work is needed before this approach can be recommended.
As yet, scientists have been unable to successfully culture the bacteria for study, but the availability of new genetic information is now directing researchers towards a number of different treatment options.