Leprosy

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is an infection caused by bacteria which produces nerve damage of the extremities and leads to disfigurement of the skin.
• It was well known in the Ancient World and has been in existence for several millennia.

History

• Leprosy is from the Latin ‘Lepra’ meaning scaly.
• Historically, contraction of Leprosy has led to the person being ostracised socially.
• Leprosy is known today as Hansen’s Disease, and is caused by a bacteria.
• It leads to numbness of the skin, problems with breathing, eyesight and nerves.
• Loss of feeling in the extremities can lead to injury and loss through repeated accidents.

Treatment

• In 1873, Dr Gerhard Hansen discovered that Leprosy was caused by a microbacterial organism he named ‘Mycobacterium Leprae’.
• In 1941, the drug Promin was developed to cure Leprosy, followed by the development of other drugs.
• Leprosy is treated today by a combination of Dapsone, Rifampicin and Clofazimine.

History

• In 600 BCE, the first written record of a disease with similar properties occurs in India.
• In c. 550 BCE, Leprosy existed in the Levant, and is referred to in The Bible.
• In 327 BCE The Army of Alexander the Great brought Leprosy with them when they returned home from India, and was documented in Greek records.

Leprosy in the Roman Empire

• 62 BCE Leprosy first appeared in Rome after Pompey and his Legions returned from Asia Minor.
• Lepers were isolated, and confined to Leper Houses.
• Leprosy in the western Roman Empire was not considered a great threat, unlike in the east and the Levant where it was more prevalent.

Leprosy in the Middle Ages

• Leprosy became a major problem in Western Europe from 600-1300 CE, possibly made worse as a result of the Crusades to the Levant.
• After c. 1300 CE, cases of Leprosy reduced, and were replaced instead by the rise of the Plague. The Leper Houses became Plague Hospitals.
• The last Leper Colony in Europe was closed in 1957. It was on the tiny fortress island of Spinalonga in Crete.