Epidemiology of leprosy

Epidemiology of Leprosy

Epidemiology of leprosy refers to the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of leprosy health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is the cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.

Pronunciation

Epidemiology: /ˌɛpɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒi/ Leprosy: /ˈlɛprəsi/

Etymology

The term "epidemiology" comes from the Greek words epi, meaning 'upon', demos, meaning 'people', and logos, meaning 'study'. "Leprosy" is derived from the Greek word lepra, which means 'scaly'.

Definition

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.

Epidemiology

Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to very old age. Leprosy is not highly infectious. It has a long incubation period (average five years) and it is believed that leprosy is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.

Related Terms

• Mycobacterium leprae
• Hansen's disease
• Public health
• Infectious disease
• Incubation period

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Epidemiology of leprosy
• Wikipedia's article - Epidemiology of leprosy

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