Leprosy

Abstract

Leprosy (Hansen's disease [HD]) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. A number of other organs, including eyes and testicles, may be involved in the infection. HD has been known for over 2000 years and has afflicted millions of people worldwide. In recent times, most patients have been residents of underdeveloped nations. Hansen(1) discovered the etiologic agent over 130 years ago, but it is still not possible to culture this bacterium on solid medium or to propagate it in liquid medium. This has hampered investigation into the pathogenesis of leprosy and there is much about the disease process that we do not understand. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009.