Leprosy,
a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by acid-bacilli (AFB)
resistant Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) mainly infects skin macrophages and
Schwann cells in nerves. Thus, leprosy can be seen as two combined disorders:
one characterized by a chronic infection that depends on the ability of host
immune response and the other being a peripheral neuropathy which starts during
infection, but with consequences which may extend for many years after cure.
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| Leprosy |
Genetic
and environmental factors play an important role in leprosy. It is estimated
that approximately 90% of the population develop protective immunity in
infection, and, thus, do not get sick. Others, however, show clinical
susceptibility to a wide spectrum of pathogens associated to changes in immune
response. Data observed in various populations show that some aspects related
to disease progression are due to host genetic factors that influence control
of the initial infection and the host immune response to that infection. Read More>>
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