What is Leprosy?
By Liji Thomas, MD
Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves and the upper part of the airway, or the testes. It is transmitted by prolonged contact, usually through aerosols containing the nasal secretions, or droplets from these fluids. However, 95% of people are naturally immune to the infection. It can also be transmitted from mother to child via the placenta.
Nerve involvement results in sensory loss, motor or muscular weakness, and autonomic nerve damage, depending on the nerves involved.
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