Introduction. Leprosy, first described in ancient Indian texts from
the sixth century B.C., is a nonfatal, chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, whose clinical
manifestations are largely confined to the skin, peripheral nervous system,
upper respiratory tract, eyes, and testes. The unique tropism of M. leprae for peripheral nerves
(from large nerve trunks to microscopic dermal nerves) and certain
immunologically mediated reactional states are the major causes of morbidity in
leprosy. The propensity of the disease, when untreated, to result in characteristic
deformities and the recognition in most cultures that the disease is
communicable from person to person have resulted historically in a profound
social stigma. Today, with early diagnosis and the institution of appropriate
and effective antimicrobial therapy, patients
can lead productive
lives in the community, and deformities and other visible manifestations can
largely be prevented.
Source:
Harrison_s_Principles_of_Internal_Medicine_16th_Edition
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