Mycobacterium leprae

Mycobacterium leprae is a rod-shaped bacterium responsible for causing leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. This bacterium is a relative of M. tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis.12

Leprosy can lead to a loss of sensation and progressive tissue degeneration, potentially causing deformities and erosion of extremities. Historically, leprosy has been associated with significant social stigma, leading to the isolation of affected individuals. However, modern multidrug therapy has made leprosy entirely curable, and the term "leper" is now considered offensive.1

Transmission of M. leprae is believed to occur through prolonged close contact, likely via breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, though the exact mechanism is still being studied. The disease has a long incubation period, typically three to five years. While leprosy has been significantly reduced worldwide, it still occurs in certain regions, and efforts continue towards its global elimination.1