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American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
ISSN (Print): 2328-4056 ISSN (Online): 2328-4064 Website: http://www.sciepub.com/journal/ajidm Editor-in-chief: Maysaa El Sayed Zaki
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American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2020, 8(3), 88-94
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-8-3-1
Open AccessReview Article

Leprosy: A Review of History, Clinical Presentation and Treatments

Kashini Andrew1, and Mivanyi Kadala2

1Stroke Medicine, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales

2General Medicine, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, England

Pub. Date: August 24, 2020
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Cite this paper:
Kashini Andrew and Mivanyi Kadala. Leprosy: A Review of History, Clinical Presentation and Treatments. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2020; 8(3):88-94. doi: 10.12691/ajidm-8-3-1

Abstract

Leprosy is an ancient disease of mankind that has persisted for generations across various continents. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis with humans acting as the natural reservoir. The transmission of Leprosy is still poorly understood, however it is widely accepted that the inhalation of aerosol droplets from cases with high mycobacterial loads is the most common mechanism. Leprosy affects the skin and peripheral nerves and has been a focus of a worldwide eradication campaign by the World Health Organisation which has been largely successful. Treatment is with the use of a multi drug therapy with Dapsone, Rifampicin and Clofazamin for 6 to 12 months depending on the type of leprosy.

Keywords:
leprosy Mycobacterium leprae Mycobacterium lepromatosis

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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