The bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae attacks the Schwann cells in the peripheral nerves, causing demyelination and loss of axonal conductance

Demyelination and loss of axonal conductance causes inflammation, which leads to numbness, and pain

The bacteria also effects the eyes, the mucosa of the respiratory tract, and will attack the skin causing hypopigmented or reddish patches.

(Bhandari et. al, 2023)

Underdeveloped nations are at the greatest risk.

The highest rates of leprosy are in tropical countries in Asia and Africa.

Within the United States, 75 percent of cases were shown to be from immigrants.

Each year, up to 225 people in the U.S. and 250,000 around the world are diagnosed

Males have a greater incidence than women

If not from another individual, exposure by infected armadillos was also shown to be a possibility.

(Bhandari et. al, 2023)

Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)

• Kills the pathogen, and cures the patient

  • Duration of treatment is from 6-12 months and is dependent on the type of leprosy

  • The three antibiotic combination prescribed:

    • Rifampin

    • Dapsone

    • Clofazimine

      (World Health Organization, 2025)

The World Health Organization : "established the Global Partnership to Stop Leprosy in 2018" (Sumon, 2023). 

Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy: "a coalition of organizations that aims to eliminate leprosy by coordinating research, strengthening national programs, and increasing advocacy" (Sumon, 2023). 

Novartis: "A pharmaceutical company that donates multidrug therapy (MDT) blister packs and funds the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy" (Sumon, 2023).

The International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP): "An organization that partners with the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy" (Sumon, 2023).

Early diagnosis and treatment with combination antibiotics

Preventative chemotherapy with one dose of rifampin

Avoid bodily fluids of those with leprosy

Avoid armadillos

Formally know as Hansen's disease

Chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin, nerves, and sometimes internal organs

Leprosy is spread through close and frequent contact with an untreated person's nose and mouth

The bacteria can enter the body through broken skin

There are several types: tuberculoid, lepromatous, and borderline.

(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, December 19). Leprosy (Hansen’s disease): Causes, symptoms & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23043-leprosy-hansens-disease

Bhandari J, Awais M, Robbins BA, et al. Leprosy. [Updated 2023 Sep 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559307/

Sumon. (2023, June 30). Global Partnership for Zero leprosy secretariat transitions from the Task Force for Global Health. The Task Force for Global Health. https://www.taskforce.org/global-partnership-for-zero-leprosy-secretariat-transitions-from-the-task-force-for-global-health/#:~:text=The%20GPZL%20initiative%20includes%20a,%E2%80%9CThat’s%20a%20big%20deal.

World Health Organization. (2025). Neglected tropical diseases -- global. https://www.who.int/health-topics/neglected-tropical-diseases#tab=tab_1