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Leprosy is an infectious disease, which is characterized by skin sores, progressive debilitation, and nerve damage. It is not very contagious, due to its long incubation period.
The pathogen that causes Leprosy is Mycobacterium leprae. This pathogen is aerobic and its shape is bacillus. And it is surrounded by a thick waxy coating.
Pathogen Structure
What is Leprosy?
Some symptoms of Leprosy are: skin wounds that are lighter than your normal skin color (Lesions do not heal after several weeks to months and have decreased sensation to touch, heat, or pain), numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs and muscle weakness.
Symptoms
Scientists are not completely sure as to how exactly Leprosy is acquired. But many sources say that you are more prone to contract the disease if you live in tropical and subtropical climates and if a person's degree of susceptibility to infectious disease is high. On the other hand Leprosy cannot be contracted from a mother to her unborn baby or through sexual contact.
Transmission
Prevention for Leprosy currently isn't possible because there is no vaccine. But an early diagnosis can reduce symptoms and decrease the chance of complications.
Prevention
There are several antibiotics used to kill the Leprosy-causing bacteria. In addition, medications such as: prednisone, Aspirin, or thalidomide are used to control inflammation.
Treatment
Leprosy
Wendi Westmark Period 1B/Vivas
