What is leprosy?Leprosy, known since biblical times, also called Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes and nasal mucosa. It causes disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage and muscle weakness that worsen over time. Caused by bacteria; Mycobacterium leprae, was discovered by GA Hansen in Norway in 1873. There are 2 types of leprosy: tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy. Tuberculoid leprosy is the least serious and least contagious. Lepromatous leprosy is the most serious and most contagious. This type affects organs such as the kidneys, testicles, eyes and nose. Leprosy is difficult to study, Mycobacterium Leprae multiplies slowly and symptoms can take up to 20 years to appear. Armadillos are the only animal other than humans that are naturally infected with this disease. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001347.htm)History of LeprosyLeprosy was recognized in the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt and India. The first known written mention of leprosy dates from 600 BC. Throughout history, sick people have often been ostracized by their communities and families. As early as the Middle Ages, the transition from leper colonies to leper hospitals began to be handled by churches. St. James's Hospital for Lepers opened in 1118 by Queen Muad (a wife of Henry I), and St. Nicholas' Hospital opened in 1084. The ideas of medieval religious society embodied the made it noble to establish relationships with lepers. Led by monks, lepers were encouraged to live a monastic lifestyle for their health as well as for quarantine. Because the suffering of a leper was considered Pu...... middle of paper ......e leading to erectile dysfunction and infertility. In more severe cases, leprosy can also damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. The best part: after treatment, life can be practically normal. Support groups www.hansensdisease.org www.leprosymission.org www.leprosy.org www.dailystrength.org /c/Leprosy/support-group‎ReferencesErnst JD. Leprosy (Hansen's disease). In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cécile Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 334. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/leprosy http://plaza.ufl.edu/bjb1221/colonies.htmRenault CA, Ernst JD. Mycobacterium leprae. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and practice of infectious diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 251.http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/leprosy/research/Pages/Default.aspx