Bug breakfast in the bulletin: leprosy.

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacillusMycobacterium leprae, and is closely related to tuberculosis. Leprosy remains a leading infectious cause of disability in the world today; untreated it can lead to progressive and permanent damage in the nerves, skin, limbs and eyes. It is believed to be transmitted primarily from person-to-person via nasal droplets. Although prevalence has reduced dramatically following the introduction of multidrug therapy, there are still approximately 250 000 new cases of leprosy every year, most of which occur in 17 countries including India (accounting for about half of all new cases), Brazil, Ethiopia, China and Indonesia.