Hansen’s Disease

Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that classically results in varying skin lesions with peripheral nerve damage. While Hansen’s disease remains endemic in tropical areas of the world, notably India and Brazil, it is considered a rare disease in the United States with roughly 200 cases per year recorded. There is emerging evidence that in the southern parts of the United States, Hansen’s disease could be considered a zoonosis transmitted via contact with armadillos. Infection with M. leprae can lead to a spectrum of clinical diseases dependent on complex pathogen-host immune responses. Additionally, further immune reactions as a result of a disease can also occur prior to, during, or after treatment.