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Mycobacterium leprae is the only bacillus known to selectively invade human peripheral nervous tissue, where an inflammatory process leads to nerve compression and ultimately nerve damage.

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Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease, after the scientist who discovered M. leprae in 1873.

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In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease in people and it may be possible that they can spread it to people.
Scientists currently think it may happen when a person with Hansen’s disease coughs or sneezes, and a healthy person breathes in the droplets containing the bacteria. Prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months is needed to catch the disease.

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Discolored patches of skin, usually flat, that may be numb and look faded (lighter than the skin around)

Growths (nodules) on the skin

Thick, stiff or dry skin

Painless ulcers on the soles of feet

Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes

Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes

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Hansen’s disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics. Typically, 2 or 3 antibiotics are used at the same time. This is called multidrug therapy. This strategy helps prevent the development of antibiotic resistance by the bacteria.

Treatment usually lasts between one to two years.

The illness can be cured if treatment is completed as prescribed.

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Overall, the risk of getting Hansen’s disease for any adult around the world is very low. That’s because more than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease. The best way to prevent the spread of leprosy is the early diagnosis and treatment of people who are infected. For household contacts, immediate and annual examinations are recommended for at least five years after last contact with a person who is infectious.