leprosy

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leprosy

infectious disease

Also known as: Hansen disease, Hansen’s disease

Written by Susannah C.J. Kearns, June E. Nash•All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 17, 2024 • Article History

Also called:: Hansen disease

Key People:: Baba Amte; Armauer Hansen

Related Topics:: zoonotic disease; notifiable disease; bacterial disease; chaulmoogra oil; Mycobacterium leprae

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leprosy, chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes. It is caused by the leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. Destruction of the peripheral nerves by the bacillus leads to a loss of sensation, which, together with progressive tissue degeneration, may result in the extremities’ becoming deformed and eroded. In almost all cultures throughout history, leprosy has aroused dread and loathing about the prospect of incurable disease and a lifetime of progressive disfigurement. At one time “lepers,” as those with the disease were ...(100 of 3480 words)

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