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Jan 27, 2023 · WHO fact sheet on leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. Includes key facts, definition, history, action, WHO response.
Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. These bacteria grow very slowly and it may take up to 20 years to develop signs of the infection. The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
About Leprosy. Every TWO MINUTES someone is diagnosed with leprosy. It causes nerve damage and muscle weakness that can lead to deformities, crippling, blindness and isolation. Many Americans think leprosy no longer exists, but it still occurs in more than 100 COUNTRIES worldwide.
Leprosy is a chronic infection usually caused by the acid-fast bacilli Mycobacterium leprae or the closely related organism M. lepromatosis. M. leprae was the only known cause of leprosy until 2008, when a second species, M. lepromatosis was identified in Mexico. Together, these two organisms are called M. leprae complex.
CDC. Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) Signs and Symptoms. Symptoms mainly affect the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes (the soft, moist areas just inside the body’s openings). The disease can cause skin symptoms such as: A large, discolored lesion on the chest of a person with Hansen’s disease.
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Jul 17, 2023 · Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. 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.
Sep 15, 2015 · Diseases & Conditions. Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal mucosa (lining of the nose). The disease is caused by a bacillus (rod-shaped) bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae.
