Leprsoy

Leprosy Essay

Leprosy is an infectious disease that goes all the way back to biblical times. It is a disease that affects the nervous system. It is caused by the bacillus bacteria called mycobacterium leprae, which grows in the peripheral nervous system and skin cells. It is more susceptible in third world countries than in the United States. Only around 100 cases every year are found in the United States. Leprosy is likely found in tropical and subtropical climates because mycobacterium leprae reaches optimum growth in warmer climates.

Leprosy traces all the way back to 4000 B.C. in Egypt. It was thought to be highly contagious and it was treated with mercury just like syphilis. People who had leprosy were forced to live in leper colonies, and wear bells around their necks so people would know they had leprosy. The causative agent of leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, was discovered by G. H. Armauer Hansen in Norway in 1873, making it the first bacterium to be identified as causing disease in humans (Irgens 308). Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease since Armauer Hansen discovered what caused it. It was also discovered that Armadillos are also known to carry leprosy which could explain the scaly appearance on their face.

Leprosy can be found in two forms which are Tuberculoid and Lepromatous. Tuberculoid is the less severe of the two and it can be characterized by sores on the skin, regions of skin that has lost sensation and nodules bordering the sores. Lepromatous affects more than just the skin, it also affects peripheral nerves and organs. According to the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine it causes joint deformities, “At the foot, joint contractures and foot deformities may develop and absorption (shortening) of toes can occur (Slim 32).” Symptoms for Leprosy are mainly characterized by lesions on the skin but it can years from infection to appearance because it is a latent disease. Leprosy is not highly contagious. Other symptoms of leprosy are...