As of: 01/30/2023 4:34 p.m
Leprosy is expected to be eradicated worldwide by 2030. But the disease, which causes striking skin changes, is still widespread in poorer countries. Why is that? And what can be done about it?
Leprosy is one of the oldest and still one of the most widespread infectious diseases. Although it is a very serious condition that severely affects many people, the symptoms are often not taken seriously enough and are recognized too late. Left untreated, the disease can cause progressive and permanent disability.
Although leprosy has been treatable since the 1980s, the disease remains a major public health problem. Leprosy is one of the neglected tropical diseases and, according to the WHO still in more than 120 countries. More than 210,000 new cases are reported each year.
Symptoms often appear late
The disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The leprosy pathogen was first detected under a microscope in 1873 by the Norwegian Gerhard Armauer Hansen. Since then, leprosy has also been referred to as Hansen’s disease or Hansen’s disease.
The leprosy bacteria multiply very slowly. According to the CDC, it can take up to 20 years for signs of infection to develop. Most people who develop leprosy experience severe pain and often develop severe skin inflammation. In addition to skin rashes, sensory disturbances, muscle and nerve damage, and deformities of the hands and feet can occur.
Transmission only with prolonged, close contact
The disease is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected people, although there are cases of airborne transmission. According to the WHO, the disease is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other. Prolonged, close contact lasting months with someone with untreated leprosy is required to become infected and get the disease.
However, transmission is possible even before the first symptoms appear. This is what makes it so difficult to contain the disease. Patients who are already being treated are no longer considered infectious.
One of the oldest known diseases
Leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases and has been around for some time described 4000 years ago. Because of the striking skin changes, the disease used to be called “leprosy”. People suffering from leprosy were often rejected by their families, friends and communities and considered unclean or dangerous.
Even today, people with leprosy are still stigmatized in many countries and have great difficulty finding work or completing an education. This also increases the risk that they will die of other diseases or become victims of violence. Fortunately, attitudes towards lepers have improved in recent years and there are now many organizations working to promote the rights and well-being of those affected.
Leprosy is a problem especially in poor regions of the world.
Image: picture alliance / Laetitia Beza
A problem of poverty
Leprosy is most widespread in developing countries. Most people with leprosy live in India, Nepal and Pakistan, with rural areas being particularly common. But there are also many cases in Africa and South America. Some factors, such as lack of hygiene and poor nutrition, can increase the risk of infection.
According to the RKI no cases of leprosy have been reported in Germany since 2020. About 2.2 million people suffer loudly WHO suffer from leprosy worldwide, but only about 60 percent of those affected receive adequate medical treatment. Even if the number of new cases has fallen in recent decades, the disease is far from eradicated.
No vaccination
There is no vaccination against leprosy, but the disease is now easily treatable. The WHO has set itself the goal of eradicating leprosy worldwide by 2030. The WHO had already set this goal for 2020, but did not manage to implement it. To eradicate the disease, organizations such as the WHO or the German leprosy and tuberculosis aid (DAHW) continues to educate the population and improve medical care in the affected areas.
DAHW is also committed to curbing leprosy and is commemorating the neglected tropical diseases day on January 30th. “Leprosy is actually not just a neglected disease, but a specific problem that neglected population groups experience,” says Christa Kasang from DAHW in an interview with SWR.
This is how leprosy is treated today
Several laboratory tests and tests are performed to diagnose leprosy. The most common method is skin examination, which can reveal all the signs and symptoms of leprosy. In addition, blood and urine tests must be taken. If these tests are positive, a biopsy will be done to determine the type of bacteria responsible for the infection.
Leprosy is usually treated with antibiotics. In some cases, other medications may also be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation and speed healing. In severe cases, surgical treatment is also necessary in order to avoid or even completely prevent irreparable damage to the patient’s body.
With the right treatment, the disease can be completely cured – especially in areas with good medical care and adequate education about preventive measures. This makes it possible for those affected to lead a normal life without impairing their health or quality of life.