Introduction to Hansen’s Disease

Hansen’s disease, a neglected tropical mycobacterial disease, still affects thousands of people in endemic countries in underserved regions of the globe. In spite of the florid skin lesion, leprosy, as it is known most frequently, is a disease of the peripheral nerve system. Treatment is effective with multidrug therapy although immune-mediated reaction can lead to nerve damage and secondary physical disabilities and deformities. Early diagnosis, complete treatment, contact tracing, and comprehensive quality medical care are essential to control the disease and interrupt the transmission.