What is leprosy? Leprosy, known since biblical times, also called Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease that affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes and the nasal mucosa. It causes disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that worsens over time. Caused by bacterium; Mycobacterium leprae, was discovered by GA Hansen in Norway in 1873. There are 2 types of leprosy: tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy. Tuberculoid leprosy is the least serious and least contagious. Lepromatous leprosy is the most serious and is most contagious. This type affects organs such as the kidneys, testicles, eyes and nose. Leprosy is difficult to study, Mycobacterium Leprae multiplies slowly and symptoms can take up to 20 years to appear. Armadillos are the only animals other than humans that have been naturally infected with this disease. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001347.htm) History of Leprosy Leprosy was recognized in the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt, and India. The first known written mention of leprosy dates back to 600 BC. Throughout history, those afflicted have often been ostracized by their communities and families. Starting in the Middle Ages, with an increase in the transition from leper colonies to leper hospitals, churches were treated. St. James's Hospital was opened in 1118 by Queen Muad (a consort of Henry I), St. Nicholas' Hospital was opened in 1084. Ideas in medieval religious society embodied that it was a noble thing to build relationships with the leper. Managed by monks, lepers were encouraged to live monastic lifestyles for their health and quarantine. Because the suffering of a leper was seen as Pu...... middle of paper ......lead to erectile dysfunction and infertility. Leprosy in severe cases can also damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. The most interesting thing is that after treatment, life can be mostly normal. Support Groups www.hansensdisease.org www.leprosymission.org www.leprosy.org www.dailystrength.org /c/Leprosy/support-group‎ReferencesErnst JD. Leprosy (Hansen's disease). In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011: ch 334. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/leprosy http://plaza.ufl.edu/bjb1221/colonies.htmRenault CA, Ernst JD. Mycobacterium leprae. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and practice of infectious diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009: chapter 251.http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/leprosy/research/Pages/Default.aspx