Information on Leprosy

• Leprosy

Leprosy is a complex infectious disease caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. This eMedTV article discusses the disease in detail, including its history, transmission methods, the various types, treatments, and prevalence.

• How Can You Catch Leprosy?

How can you catch leprosy? As this eMedTV page explains, most scientists believe that the bacteria responsible for the disease are transmitted through infected respiratory droplets. The action of the bacteria on the body is also described.

• Mycobacterium Leprae

This eMedTV article provides an overview of Mycobacterium leprae, including its history, possible transmission methods, and recent statistics. This bacteria causes leprosy and mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes.

• How Is Leprosy Transmitted?

How is leprosy transmitted? This eMedTV Web page explains a few ways in which it is believed the disease is transmitted -- for example, through infected respiratory droplets -- and factors that affect the spread of disease.

• Characteristics of Leprosy

This eMedTV article offers a detailed look at the characteristics of leprosy and explains factors that can affect severity and specific symptoms. It also explains the incubation period for the disease and body parts that are commonly affected.

• Leprosy Diagnosis

This eMedTV article explains the process doctors use to make a leprosy diagnosis. For example, the doctor begins with a physical exam and questions about the patient's medical history. If needed, a skin biopsy is performed to check for the bacteria.

• Leprosy Treatment

Leprosy treatment can be provided for free to patients by their doctor or through a Hansen's Disease Clinic. This eMedTV article discusses treatment options in detail, including antibiotics commonly used and supportive care.

• Effects of Leprosy

This eMedTV article discusses the effects of leprosy in detail (such as muscle weakness, a skin rash, and enlarged nerves). The article also explains factors that can affect the type of symptoms a person has and their severity.

• Cures for Leprosy

This eMedTV article lists the most common antibiotics used as cures for leprosy: rifampin, dapsone, and clofazimine. It also explains the success rate with these drugs and what happened to people prior to their development.

• How Do You Prevent Leprosy?

How do you prevent leprosy? As this segment of the eMedTV archives explains, the best way to prevent leprosy is to have yearly examinations -- especially if you live with someone who already has the disease.

• Leprosy -- American Statistics

According to this eMedTV page, each year in the United States, there are 200 to 250 new cases of leprosy. American statistics on the disease show that the largest numbers of cases are in California, Texas, and Florida, and affect mostly immigrants.