Leprosy
Chronic disease caused by bacterial infection
Summary
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Infection can lead to damage of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. This nerve damage may result in the loss of nociception, which can lead to the loss of parts of a person's extremities from repeated injuries or infection through unnoticed wounds. An infected person may also experience muscle weakness and loss of eyesight. Leprosy symptoms may begin within one year or take 20 years or more.
Originally created by The Anome
3/17/2002, 10:29:51 AM
Modified
6/5/2026, 7:52:07 PM
Recent revisions
Reverting possible vandalism by [[Special:Contribs/~2026-33448-04|~2026-33448-04]] to version by ~2026-32444-03. [[WP:CBFP|Report False Positive?]] Thanks, [[WP:CBNG|ClueBot NG]]. (4527692) (Bot)
/* Etymology */
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/* Infection of animals */ The taxonomy of D. novemcinctus has been revised, with American populations now being known as D. mexicanus.
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[[Wikipedia:OABOT|Open access bot]]: doi updated in citation with #oabot.
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/* Treatment */ #proveit Replace the source about syphilis with one about leprosy. delete some content that is more controversial and subtle than describred.
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Added reference to the "Leprosy" Official Scenario added to Plague Inc: Evolved in 2026
Clarified transmission
clean up, [[WP:AWB/T|typo(s) fixed]]: between 3,500-4,000 → between 3,500 and 4,000, 1887-1957 → 1887–1957
Changing [[Wikipedia:Short description|short description]] from "Chronic disease caused by infection of two mycobacterial species" to "Chronic disease caused by bacterial infection"
/* Mycobacterium leprae and M. lepromatosis */ wlink
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