Leprosy (or Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis that affects predominantly the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy is one of the oldest known illnesses of mankind; however, it is still one of the most neglected diseases worldwide, impacting more than 120 countries, mainly in underdeveloped settings. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the burden of this disease and avoiding long-term irreversible consequences such as deformities and mutilations. Thus, the World Health Organization has focused its efforts on preventive programs as well as the search for easy-to-handle diagnosis tools and the implementation of new strategies to improve the therapeutic options available.
The goal of this Research Topic is to increase collective knowledge about leprosy with special emphasis on epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
The scope of this Research Topic will be as follows:
- In-practice experiences regarding the new guidelines for Leprosy treatment and diagnosis
- Novel prevention strategies, diagnostic tools and/or treatment approaches
This Research Topic will be open to any type of manuscript, including review (narrative and systematic), short reports, brief communications, letters, case reports and original articles. Preliminary findings or ongoing results would be also considered. Opinions and general commentary may be valued depending on the importance of the subject.
Leprosy (or Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis that affects predominantly the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy is one of the oldest known illnesses of mankind; however, it is still one of the most neglected diseases worldwide, impacting more than 120 countries, mainly in underdeveloped settings. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing the burden of this disease and avoiding long-term irreversible consequences such as deformities and mutilations. Thus, the World Health Organization has focused its efforts on preventive programs as well as the search for easy-to-handle diagnosis tools and the implementation of new strategies to improve the therapeutic options available.
The goal of this Research Topic is to increase collective knowledge about leprosy with special emphasis on epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
The scope of this Research Topic will be as follows:
- In-practice experiences regarding the new guidelines for Leprosy treatment and diagnosis
- Novel prevention strategies, diagnostic tools and/or treatment approaches
This Research Topic will be open to any type of manuscript, including review (narrative and systematic), short reports, brief communications, letters, case reports and original articles. Preliminary findings or ongoing results would be also considered. Opinions and general commentary may be valued depending on the importance of the subject.