Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which affects peripheral nerves and skin. The relevance of this disease comes from complex interactions between bacilli and the host immune system that lead to different clinical findings dependent on changes in T- and B-cell responses. Severe systemic manifestations may also occur at any time during the infection and even years after treatment. This chapter describes the clinical and pathogenic features of leprosy and the interaction of leprosy with other diseases.
BT - Infection and Autoimmunity DO - 10.1016/b978-0-444-63269-2.00038-6 LA - ENG M3 - Chapter N2 -Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which affects peripheral nerves and skin. The relevance of this disease comes from complex interactions between bacilli and the host immune system that lead to different clinical findings dependent on changes in T- and B-cell responses. Severe systemic manifestations may also occur at any time during the infection and even years after treatment. This chapter describes the clinical and pathogenic features of leprosy and the interaction of leprosy with other diseases.
PB - Elsevier PY - 2015 SN - 9780444632692 SP - 583 EP - 597 T2 - Infection and Autoimmunity TI - Leprosy and Autoimmunity ER -