Leprosy is a slow-to-develop bacterial infection with Mycobacterium leprae, the lelprosy bacillus, and involves the cooler parts of the body: the skin and the mucous membranes of the nose. M.leprae is the only bacterium with a predilection fro peripheral nerves. Leprosy always involves the nerves If untreated Nerve damage is progressive

U.S. Cases of Leprosy Today, most U.S cases are immigrants 30-40 "endemic" cases each year in U.S. Never left the U.S. No Known contact with case Primarily in southern Louisiana and the Texas Gulf coast

Nerve Damage is the Hallmark of Leprosy

Peripheral Nerve Damage

1. Sensory nerve (touch/pain)
2. Motor nerve (movement)
3. Autonomic Nerve (Sweating)
4. Repeated Injury/burns/infection result in bone re-absorbtion

Reconstructive Surgery

Surgery is often performed to transfer tendons in the hand which enables the patient to regain normal use of a functional opposable thumb.

Wound Care and Pressure Off-Loading
Modified footwear increases the weight-bearing area and takes weight off danger spots, which limits the formation of ulcers. If not properly managed, ulcers become the route for secondary infections.

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