Who is credited with the discovery of the bacterium that causes leprosy?

They must have known it was contagious way back in bible times, as lepers weren't allowed anywhere near others.

SilkenTract, Yes, there are cures for Hansen's Disease. It is treated with a combination of antibiotics such as rifamicin, dapsone, and clofazimine that are usually taken for 6 months to year.

SilkenTract, yes a long time ago. If the medication is given no one today need have leprosy but many people in poor countries cannot afford the medication 🙁

Good 2 know

Fun fact - armadillos carry leprosy.

GMD 73, Yes, my Father visited Carville in Louisiana, as part of a WHO fellowship. He had been Medical Superintendent of a Lazaret here in Australia. Interesting topic. Before sulpha drugs were used there was a sort of treatment called Chalmoogra Oil, named after the tree in India, that it was made from.

excellent question and explanation. but please understand that an emigrant is migrating OUT of a country, an immigrant is moving INTO a country.

I had a friend in school and her dad was a doctor at the Carville hospital where the patents stayed..They lived on the grounds where they had all kind of activities ..A couple of times I slept over..

CyanJaguar62, they were considered unclean bec they had oozing sores, which in biblical times was indicative of an infectious disease.

"The Miracle on the Mississippi" The treatment that was developed back then actually reversed symptoms of the disease. Allowing the patients to leave the hospital if they wanted. Some stayed.

VividPotion6704, even some poor countries the State will provide medication to prevent it spreading.

How many people are interested in Biology? Let's see

Kat, They kicked them out of the community because they were “unclean”. Early civilizations labeled many illnesses and conditions as “unclean”…including a women’s monthly period.

A boy in Texas contracted Hansen's disease a few years back, while messing with an armadillo den. The 9-and 11-banded varieties are a reservoir for the bacteria.

Why would u name it Hansen's disease. It's like he had it

Oh my God, I am learning so many things with this game!🤩

Always the longer names

Interesting to know👍

Actually I got the correct answer

When I was in Elementary School, I met a relative who lost his fingers for leprosy. He said that he was totally cured. I saw that his whole body was dry, a sign that he had no more bacteria. Out of courtesy I greeted him and shook his hand. After that I immediately washed my hands with soap. I learned that the bacteria need 15 years to develop into leprosy. For 15 years full I was afraid that I would get leprosy. Now I am 60 years old, no leprosy, only got cancer. My mistake, I only wished against leprosy, never mentoning cancer. Thank you anyway, God.

Kat, they also associated disease with sin in the Bible and called lepers "unclean" so may have avoided them for that reason.

I wonder if they have ever found a cure for leporacy?

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