Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The term "leprosery" refers to the state or condition of having leprosy or being affected by this disease.
Leprosy primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. It is characterized by the development of skin lesions, numbness, and deformities in hands, feet, and other parts of the body. Leprosy has varied manifestations including tuberculoid, borderline, and lepromatous forms, which are mainly determined by the immune response of the infected individual.
Historically, leprosy has been associated with social stigma and discrimination due to misconceptions and fears about transmission. Leprosy was often misunderstood as highly contagious, leading to the segregation of affected individuals in specialized institutions called leprosariums or leprosy colonies. However, leprosy is relatively low in contagiousness, as it requires prolonged and close contact with an infected person for transmission to occur.
Over the years, leprosy has become a curable disease, thanks to the development and widespread availability of multidrug therapy. Early detection, prompt treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation can prevent disabilities, halt the progression of the disease, and enable affected individuals to lead productive lives. Efforts have also been made to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem worldwide through various strategies, including active case finding, contact tracing, and health education.
In summary, leprosery refers to the physical condition and social implications associated with leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
