LEPROSY Meaning and
Definition
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Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease primarily caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It is characterized by the gradual and progressive damage it causes to the skin, nerves, and various organs, primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves.
This infectious disease is transmitted through close and prolonged contact with an infected person and mainly affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Leprosy typically presents with distinctive skin lesions and deformities, along with nerve damage that can lead to sensory loss, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
The symptoms of leprosy may vary depending on the individual's immune response to the infection, ranging from mild to severe. The disease has a slow incubation period, with symptoms often taking years or even decades to appear after infection. Early detection and proper treatment of leprosy can halt the progression of the disease and prevent disability.
Leprosy carries significant social stigma due to historical misconceptions and cultural beliefs surrounding the disease. However, it is crucial to note that leprosy is not highly contagious, and with modern treatment methods, it is now considered curable. Multidrug therapy, consisting of a combination of antibiotics, is highly effective in treating and preventing the progression of leprosy.
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1. A disease of Biblical times, the nature of which is uncertain, but which might have been psoriasis or a leucoderma. 2. A chronic disease believed to be due to the presence of Bacillus leprae or Hansen's bacillus, elephantiasis Graecorum. It occurs in two principal forms: tubercular l., affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and anesthetic l., affecting mainly the nerves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A disease of the skin characterised by the formation of whitish opaque scales.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of LEPROSY
The word "leprosy" originates from the Greek word "lepra" (λέπρα), which most likely comes from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, where the term "leprosy" is believed to be "lepa" or "lepaka". The Sanskrit word refers to a scaly skin condition. From Greek, "lepra" passed into Latin as "lepra", and eventually evolved into the modern English term "leprosy".
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