Mal de San Lazaro, also known as leprosy or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes of individuals infected with the bacteria.
Symptoms of mal de San Lazaro can vary greatly depending on the stage of infection and individual immune response. Early symptoms usually include skin lesions, numbness or tingling in affected areas, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, the disease progresses and can lead to further nerve damage, deformities, and disfigurement. In severe cases, mal de San Lazaro can cause blindness, loss of sensation, and ultimately result in permanent disability or death.
Historically, mal de San Lazaro was highly stigmatized due to its visible symptoms and potential for transmission. Patients were often segregated and isolated in leprosy colonies, such as in La Tablada, Buenos Aires, Argentina, which was known as "San Lazaro" due to its association with the disease.
Treatment for mal de San Lazaro has significantly advanced over time with the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT), which combines antibiotics to effectively kill the bacteria and prevent further spread. MDT has been crucial in reducing the prevalence of the disease and controlling its transmission. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals infected with mal de San Lazaro can avoid severe complications and lead normal lives.
