Leprosy

The bacteria Mycobacterium leprae is responsible for leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. The skin and nervous system are particularly vulnerable, but other organs may be affected as well in extreme situations. The shame and injustice that have long surrounded people who were diagnosed with leprosy date back centuries.
- Lesions on the skin, a loss of feeling or tingling in the affected areas, and muscle weakness or paralysis are the hallmarks of leprosy. One version of the disease is milder and less contagious than another, although both can lead to malformations if they are not treated.
- Antibiotics have shown effective in curing leprosy, but prompt identification and treatment are essential for preventing the spread of the disease and the subsequent onset of disabling complications. Leprosy is often treated with a regimen of antibiotics known as multi-drug therapy (MDT), which includes drugs including dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
While leprosy has been brought under control in many areas, it is still a problem in some, especially in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Education and awareness programs have also played a key role in eliminating the societal stigma associated with the disease.