Leprosy-A Biblical Disease

Leprosy is a disease discovered by physician name Armauer Hansen, thus also called as Hansen Disease. This disease of the body is associated with upper part of respiratory system, peripheral nerves and skin abrasion. Leprosy can be chronic and can cause harm eyes, skin, nerves and limbs.

History:

Leprosy is known to affect people for more than 4000 years. DNA of man found in tombs near Jerusalem was proven of suffering prom leprosy and were dated to 1-50CE. It was in the late 17^th century when leprosy was exploding in the form of an epidemic in countries like England, Norway and Iceland. It has been estimated by “WHO” that around 3, million people were adversely affected by leprosy around the world.

 Causes of Leprosy:

The main cause of leprosy is an agent known as Mycobacterium leprae. It is identified in 2008. This bacterium is intracellular, rod shaped. The bacterium is protected by cell membrane of waxy material. This agent is impossible to develop artificially. However, it has been possible to grow in animals. This method was used in 1960 by the chairman of US Leprosy Panel. Due to the resistance of this bacterium against medication, it is difficult to treat.

Threat factors:

The people living in areas with insufficient living conditions are facing leprosy threat more than others. As this disease is related to an immune system of a person. Therefore, inadequate living circumstance decrease, immune power of the body and can cause leprosy more easily.  These living conditions include a place to live, proper bedding, polluted water and soil, etc.

Prevention:

It has been observed that leprosy can be reduced with medication of rifampicin. However, the vaccination of BCG also prevents leprosy to a great extent. WHO along with efforts from ambassador have provided all progressive and under developed countries with free vaccination between years 1995 and 1999.

Forms of Leprosy:

There are two types of leprosy. These types include lepromatous and tuberculoid. The most server type of leprosy is lepromatous, which has adverse symptoms all over. However, both types are responsible for nerve damage in limbs and weakens muscles. People may lose their limbs as a result of long term leprosy.

Latest treatment for leprosy:

Three medicines have been developed recently to treat the leprosy and fight against the bacterial activity in the body. These medicines include: ofloxacin, Fluoroquinolone and minocycline.

Leprosy can be found in many countries all over the world due to different reason and climate conditions. In United States, there are approximately 100 cases are reported per year. Especially in areas like California, Hawaii, etc. The victim of this disease is needed to be isolated and well treated with medicine as soon as the first symptom of disease is appeared.