What causes Hansen s disease (leprosy)?
Hansen s disease (named for Norwegian scientist Gerhard Armauer Hansen) is a chronic, infectious disease caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. This disease usually affects the nerves, skin and eyes. Why is leprosy called Hansen s disease? There is a strong negative association with the derogatory term “leper.” In the United States the disease’s name has been changed officially to Hansen’s disease. How contagious is Hansen s disease? Hansen s disease is one of the least contagious of all communicable diseases. Only 5% of the world s population are susceptible to the disease. It is very difficult to contract. Can the disease be treated? In 1941 Dr. Guy Faget used a sulfone drug, promin, to treat Hansen s disease patients in the US Public Health Service National Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana. Additional drugs were developed and today three drugs dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine are used to render cases non-infectious. This treatment, lasting from six months to two years, is k
Hansen s disease (named for Norwegian scientist Gerhard Armauer Hansen) is a chronic, infectious disease caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. This disease usually affects the nerves, skin and eyes. Why is leprosy called Hansen s disease? There is a strong negative association with the derogatory term “leper.” In the United States the disease’s name has been changed officially to Hansen’s disease. How contagious is Hansen s disease? Hansen s disease is one of the least contagious of all communicable diseases. Only 5% of the world s population are susceptible to the disease. It is very difficult to contract. Can the disease be treated? In 1941 Dr. Guy Faget used a sulfone drug, promin, to treat Hansen s disease patients in the US Public Health Service National Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana. Additional drugs were developed and today three drugs dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine are used to render cases non-infectious. This treatment, lasting from six months to two years, is k
