01328nas a2200169   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653001400054653001400068100001200082700002100094245003300115300001000148490000700158520097900165022001401144       2015                            d10aleprosy10aTreatment10aReactions1 aWhite C1 aFranco-Paredes C00aLeprosy in the 21st Century.  a80-940 v283 a<p>Despite significant improvements in leprosy (Hansen's disease) treatment and outlook for patients since the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT) 3 decades ago, the global incidence remains high, and patients often have long-term complications associated with the disease. In this article, we discuss recent findings related to genetics, susceptibility, and disease reservoirs and the implications of these findings for Hansen's disease control and health outcomes for patients. We describe the continued difficulties associated with treatment of inflammatory episodes known as "leprosy reactions," which cause much of the disability associated with the disease and can affect people for many years after MDT is complete. We also discuss some of the contemporary challenges for physicians and patients, including international and internal migration of people affected by the disease. We suggest some important areas of focus for future Hansen's disease research.</p>
  a1098-6618