Leprosy

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xix

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2. General Section

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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3. GENERAL SECTION

   1. History and Phylogeography of Leprosy

      • Stewart T. Cole, Pushpendra Singh

      Pages 3-13

   2. Microbiology

      • Andrea Clapasson, Silvia Canata

      Pages 15-18

   3. Genetics of Leprosy

      • Vinicius Medeiros Fava, Marcelo Távora Mira

      Pages 19-26

   4. Host Response to M. leprae

      • Rodrigo Ribeiro-Rodrigues

      Pages 27-38

   5. Pathogenesis

      • Cesare Massone, Enrico Nunzi

      Pages 39-42

   6. Classification

      • Cesare Massone, Alexandra M. G. Brunasso

      Pages 43-47

4. Patient's Examination

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 49-49

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5. PATIENT'S EXAMINATION

   1. Patient History

      • Enrico Nunzi, Cesare Massone, Salvatore Noto

      Pages 51-53

   2. Laboratory Investigations

      • Andrea Clapasson, Silvia Canata

      Pages 55-62

6. Skin

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 63-63

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7. SKIN

   1. Physical Examination: Skin

      • Enrico Nunzi, Cesare Massone, Salvatore Noto

      Pages 65-73

   2. Clinical Features

      • Enrico Nunzi, Cesare Massone, Salvatore Noto

      Pages 75-110

   3. Lucio–Latapí Leprosy

      • Mario Magaña

      Pages 111-114

   4. Histopathology of the Skin

      • Cesare Massone

      Pages 115-136

   5. Differential Diagnosis: Skin

      • Enrico Nunzi, Salvatore Noto

      Pages 137-150

8. Nerves

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 151-151

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9. NERVES

   1. Peripheral Nerves in Leprosy

      • Bernard Naafs, José Antônio Garbino

      Pages 153-161

   2. The Leprosy Neuropathy

      • Lizia Reni, Salvatore Noto, Pieter A. M. Schreuder

      Pages 163-179

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is one of the most disabling disorders in developing countries, with a peak incidence in the tropics and subtropics. With globalization, leprosy is now increasingly spreading to the western world. The impact of this infectious disorder is relevant for the human community due to its transmissible nature, and also important for the individual because of its debilitating consequences. Leprosy is a multifaceted systemic disease with variable presentation and clinical picture. Its identification may therefore not be straightforward, especially outside endemic areas. During its chronic course, leprosy is characterized by acute phases during which there may be exacerbation of symptoms and rapid progression of damage. When leprosy affects the eyes, nerves, and kidneys, it can represent a true medical emergency. The aim of this book is to make the reader familiar with the characteristic signs of disease, including abnormalities of the skin, nerves, eyes, hands, feet, testes, and bone. Early identification of the disease is critical to prevent patient disability and establish appropriate therapy. Emphasis will be given to the current diagnostic tools to identify and quantify the organ damage, including electrophysiology, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory tests, and histopathology. Specific topics such as leprosy and pregnancy, leprosy and HIV infection, epidemiology, and leprosy control will also be covered.

• Hansen's disease
• Leprosy
• Mycobacterium leprae
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Sensory and motor disturbances
• infectious diseases

• Dipto. Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), Centro per la Ricerca sul Morbo di, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy

  Enrico Nunzi

• Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und, Venerologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria

  Cesare Massone

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