Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

name         PEGGY
status       student
age          11

Question -       What is Leporsy? What dose it do to people? Is there a cure?
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Leprosy is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.  It is in the
same genus as the organism that causes tuberculosis.  It is hard to cure with
antibiotics because it has a waxy cell wall that is hard to break down.  The
bacteria destroys the peripheral nerves and the patient is insensitive to
pain.   This can cause injury if the patient gets burned or steps on
something because they don't know they have been hurt.    There is some
destruction of bone in the affected area because the nerves to the area are
affected and the tissue can die.  It is treated with rifampin and clofazimine
which are antibiotics but they are fairly toxic.  People with leprosy used to
be sent to leper colonies and were shunned because of the disfiguration and
fear of catching the disease.

K. Van Hoeck
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