Leprosy

Mycobacterium lepraehas is responsible for Leprosy. It is a slow-growing bacteria, and the incubation period may range from 6 months to 40 years. It is not a contagious disease. So, it was not the bacteria that made the disease dangerous. It was people's attitude towards patients. Lepers were barely considered human. Leprosy was seen as God's punishment. A lot of superstitions and myths prevailed amongst the people that made it difficult for the patients. Leprosy mainly affected the skin. However, the symptoms changed from person to person. Hypopigmented skin lesions to blindness, deformity and severe facial disfigurement are the common symptoms. Treatment of Leprosy is possible but complicated. It involves a series of different antibodies and depends upon the patients. Some species of Armadillos are known to carry leprosy bacteria. It is still present, but its threat is low.