Transmission And Causes Of Leprosy

Hansen's disease, a condition most individuals know as leprosy, is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It is classified as a chronic granulomatous disease because it is relatively slow developing and it causes inflammatory nodules to form in the skin. In this way, it is similar to tuberculosis. Historically, leprosy affected almost every culture and was a significant source of panic. There was no cure, and it was considered a horrible, slow way to be disfigured and eventually die. Lepers were ostracized and forced to live among themselves in special 'leper colonies.' Today, leprosy is not nearly as terrible of a diagnosis.