01293nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260003800042653001800080653002500098653001200123653001500135653001400150100001300164700001200177700001600189700001600205700001200221700001200233245008500245300001400330490000700344520067400351022001401025       2012                            d  c02/2012bBlackwell Publishing Ltd10aSocial stigma10aMycobacterium leprae10aleprosy10aDisability10adiagnosis1 aSuzuki K1 aAkama T1 aKawashima A1 aYoshihara A1 aYotsu R1 aIshii N00aCurrent status of leprosy: Epidemiology, basic science and clinical perspectives  a121–1290 v393 aLeprosy has affected humans for millennia and remains an important health problem worldwide, as evidenced by nearly 250 000 new cases detected every year. It is a chronic infectious disorder, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Recent advances in basic science have improved our knowledge of the disease. Variation in the cellular immune response is the basis of a range of clinical manifestations. The introduction of multidrug therapy has significantly contributed to a decrease in the prevalence of the disease. However, leprosy control activities, including monitoring and prevention programs, must be maintained.  a1346-8138