Hansen S Disease

Hansen’s disease (leprosy) is endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide, with over 200,000 new diagnoses each year and more than 4 million people living with some form of HD-related impairment. The World Health Organization’s ‘Global Leprosy Strategy’ timeline for Hansen’s disease elimination indicates that it will be encountered in clinical practice in endemic countries for at least another decade. Increasing north-to-south migration, global travel and overseas medical work mean that physicians in non-endemic countries will also encounter patients with Hansen’s disease, which can affect people for many years before diagnosis and after treatment. For busy clinicians, it represents a challenge, in terms of disease learning and updating knowledge and skills. This book provides a concise, up-to-date, and comprehensive source of information on Hansen’s disease clinical practice. It covers essential topics on all clinical aspects, complemented by history, epidemiology, paleopathology, and the social impact of the disease. Edited and written by contributors with decades of experience, it’s divided into twenty-six chapters clarifying the genetics and neurological manifestations, physical disabilities and its prevention; oral, ophthalmological, and bone changes, among others. For the primary audience of practicing physicians, it is an affordable point of reference, whilst also being suitable for student and trainee doctors. It’s also accessible to general practitioners and specialists in dermatology, neurology, pediatrics, infectious disease, family and community medicine, and orthopedics, as well as to non-specialists and other healthcare professionals.

Hansen's Disease - The Forgotten and Neglected Disease provides concise information on the relevant aspects of the disease of leprosy, including immunological, epidemiological, clinical and molecular studies that are of great importance in the study of an often-ignored disease, which remains a great challenge to humanity. It collects contributions made by professional experts in the study of Mycobacterium leprae, providing perspectives with knowledge, experience and research, highlighting that the disease continues to be of interest to public health. It is expected that this book will be useful and contribute to the expansion of information and interest about the disease commonly known as leprosy.

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.

Committee Serial No. 4.