Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Infectious Diseases > Mycobacterial > Hansen's Disease
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae which causes disfiguration of the body or skin. The bacterium is an aerobic, acid fast, rod-shaped (bacillus) mycobacterium. The modern term for the disease is named after the discoverer of the bacterium, Gerhard Armauer Hansen.
Treatment
Historically, leprosy was an incurable and disfiguring disease. It is traditionally believed that Lepers were shunned and sequestered in leper colonies. However, this is an oversimplistic explanation not at all supported by historical evidence. A very great number of Leprosaria or leper hospitals sprang up in the middle ages, particularly in England, and there were 250 in England by the 1230's, the first recorded one being at Harbledown. These institutions were run along monastic lines, and whilst lepers were encouraged to live in these monastic type establishments, this was more for the health of their own souls than for any segregation policy. Indeed, in Christian tradition, those suffering from Leprosy were considered to be going through Purgatory on Earth, and for this reason their suffering was considered more Holy than the ordinary person's. Saint Radegund was noted for washing the feet of Lepers, and Orderic Vitalis writes of a monk, Ralf, who was so overcome by the plight of the leper that he prayed to catch Leprosy himself (he eventually did catch it). The Leper would carry a clapper and bell to warn of his approach, and this was as much to attract attention for charity as to warn people that a diseased person was near. Most importantly, Jesus had walked with the Leper, and so in medieval religious society, it was a noble thing to be able to converse and build relationships with the Leper.
A major breakthrough occurred in leprosy treatment in 1982, with the introduction of Multi-Drug-Therapy (MDT) from the work of Vincent Barry (1908-1975) the Director of the Medical Research Council of Ireland (MRCI) at Trinity College Dublin. Barry and his team of researchers were successful in testing hundreds of new compounds against mycobacteria, particularly leprosy. Nonetheless, it is now established as one of the three first-line drugs in the treatment of leprosy.
More on [ Leprosy ]
woke up with a cold sore the size of a cherry tomato on my lip. I am NOT going to the gym looking like I have Hansen's disease.
JenniferHughes (jenniferhughes) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:52:49 -0000
woke up with a cold sore the size of a cherry tomato on my lip. I am NOT going to the gym looking like I have Hansen's disease.
it's not called leprosy anymore, it's called hansen's disease.
lil_mc_p_plush (weeZy L-M) Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:58:32 -0000
it's not called leprosy anymore, it's called hansen's disease.
American Leprosy Foundation - A non-profit research center for leprosy and other biomedical research located in Cebu City, The Philippines. Administrative offices are located in Rockville, MD USA.
Meta Description: [ The American Leprosy Foundation (ALF) / Leonard Wood Memorial (LWM) is a non-profit research center for leprosy and other biomedical research located in Cebu City, The Philippines. Administrative offices are located in Rockville, MD USA. ]
Forum on Leprosy - Leprosy newsgroup, information and links.
Meta Description: [ Caring for leprosy sufferers and working towards the eradication of the disease ]
Global Alliance for Leprosy Elimination - WHO, the Nippon Foundation, Novartis and ILEP cooperate on a global alliance to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem from every country by the year 2005.
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Global Alliance for the Elimination of Leprosy - Resources and information on this disease.
Handbook of Dermatology and Venereology - Describes the situation, decline and spread of leprosy in Hong Kong. Includes details on types of leprosy, diagnosis and treatment.
ILEP - International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations - Consists of 17 autonomous non-governmental organisations, based in 13 countries. The ILEP member organisations carry out field project and research work. Features organisation information, field work, research, publications and documents, FAQ on leprosy, and news.
Meta Description: [ The International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations ILEP consists of 14 autonomous non-governmental organisations, based in 12 countries. This page contains details of teaching and learning materials of use to those working in the field of leprosy. ]
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Indian Leprosy Foundation - Voluntary organisation dedicated to leprosy eradication in India. Includes facts, news, events and photographs.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park - A park on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, it serves as an ongoing reminder of the islands' struggle with Hansen's Disease (leprosy).
LEPRA - British Leprosy Relief Association - Offers details about the organization and its mission which is to restore health, hope and dignity to people affected by leprosy. Includes news and events and projects.
Meta Description: [ LEPRA, Leprosy, British Leprosy Relief,ILEP,India,Brazil,Africa,Blue Peter,Charity,Charities,TB,Tuberculosis,AIDS,HIV,Sponsored Bike Ride,Job Vacancy,Employment,Medical Staff ]
Leprosy Fund - A fund of the Novartis Foundation (NFSD) for the detection, treatment, and prevention of leprosy.
Leprosy Info from the World Health Organization - Information on leprosy, research, treatment, WHO strategy for elimination and global statistics.
Meta Description: [ information on leprosy, research, treatment, WHO strategy for elimination and global statistics ]
National Hansen's Disease Programs - Features history, research, rehabilitation, clinical care, and training programs.
The Leprosy Mission - An international Christian charity, founded in 1874, and now bringing healing and restoration to some 200,000 people affected by leprosy in over 30 countries.
Meta Description: [ The Leprosy Mission International A World Without Leprosy ]
The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland - Includes information, news and events, as well as a childrens' section.
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