LeprosySymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Leprosy Overview
Learn About Leprosy
Leprosy, also called Hansen disease, is a disorder known since ancient times. It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and is contagious, which means that it can be passed from person to person. It is usually contracted by breathing airborne droplets from affected individuals' coughs and sneezes, or by coming into contact with their nasal fluids. However, it is not highly transmissible, and approximately 95 percent of individuals who are exposed to Mycobacterium leprae never develop leprosy. The infection can be contracted at any age, and signs and symptoms can take anywhere from several months to 20 years to appear.
Combinations of many variations in genes involved in the immune system affect a person's likelihood of contracting Mycobacterium leprae infection if exposed to the bacteria. Gene variations affecting the immune system also help determine the form of leprosy that individuals develop if the Mycobacterium leprae infection takes hold.
About 250,000 new cases of leprosy are diagnosed every year. The condition occurs worldwide, but is most common in India, Brazil, and other areas with warm climates. Between 100 and 250 new cases per year occur in the United States.
Leprosy is not inherited, but people can inherit an increased risk of contracting leprosy if they are exposed to the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. Susceptibility tends to run in families, but the inheritance pattern is unknown.
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Robert Modlin is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Modlin is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Leprosy. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Leprosy, Acne, Psoriasis, and Atopic Dermatitis.
Euzenir Sarno-Nunes practices practicing medicine in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Sarno-Nunes is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Leprosy. They are also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Leprosy, Erythema Nodosum, Neuralgia, and Chronic Polyradiculoneuritis.
Diana Lockwood practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Ms. Lockwood is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Leprosy. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Erythema Nodosum, Leprosy, Leishmaniasis, and Neuralgia.
Summary: Chronic inflammatory skin diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of pathologies. They affect the skin but also other organs (joints, lungs, muscles, etc.). Their prognosis and response to treatments is extremely variable. The discovery of prognosis factors will help to precisely guide the treatment regimen and its intensification based on individual markers. The identification of new therapeuti...
Summary: Dovramilast has not been approved for leprosy type 2 reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum, ENL) or any other disease anywhere in the world. In this study, an experimental drug called dovramilast is being tested to see how it compares to current treatments for leprosy type 2 reaction. Specifically, this study aims to assess the efficacy of 100mg or 150 mg dovramilast compared with standard treatment...
Published Date: February 01, 2018
Published By: National Institutes of Health