01864nas a2200337   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653002300054653001500077653002000092653001700112653002000129653001700149653001400166653001800180100001900198700001700217700001600234700001800250700001400268700001500282700001800297700001900315700001400334700001900348700001500367245006000382856026000442300000900702520081500711       2024                            d10aLeprosy10aHansen’s disease10atratamento10aPathophysiology10aRisk Factors10aImmune response10aEpidemiology10aTreatment10aGlobal health1 aKarunarathna I1 aRajapaksha S1 aEkanayake U1 aGunawardana K1 aAluthge P1 aGunasena P1 aGunathilake S1 aHapuarachchi T1 aBandara S1 a Jayawardana A1 aDe Alvis K00aUnderstanding Leprosy: An Overview of Hansen's  Disease  uhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Indunil-Karunarathna/publication/383340219_Understanding_Leprosy_An_Overview_of_Hansen%27s_Disease/links/66c8bb9b97265406eaa62f2a/Understanding-Leprosy-An-Overview-of-Hansens-Disease.pdf?origin=publication_detail&_tp=e  a1-153 a<p>Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic granulomatous infection primarily caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Despite its historical stigma and common misconceptions about high contagion, leprosy is not highly transmissible and is effectively treatable. This review explores the pathophysiology of leprosy, emphasizing how M. leprae affects peripheral nerves, and discusses various risk factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and immunosuppression. Additionally, the review examines the global epidemiology of leprosy, highlighting recent trends, ongoing challenges, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Understanding these aspects is crucial for improving management strategies and advancing global eradication efforts.</p>