Nina Goad, a spokesperson from British Association of Dermatologists stated: “When people hear the term leprosy, they usually believe of leper colonies and references to the condition in the Bible or films like Monty Python’s Daily life of Brian.
“They are almost certainly not aware that it can still take place right here in the Uk. Diagnosis in western populations this kind of as the United kingdom is typically delayed due to the fact physicians are unaware of the disease’s presence in their country, or of its signs and symptoms.
“Dermatology is hugely underrepresented in GP training to begin with, so uncommon ailments like leprosy are seldom taught.
“Even so, early diagnosis and remedy are essential in limiting the nerve damage that triggers the numbness that can in flip lead to loss of limbs or digits.”
The condition, recognized as Hansen’s Illness, is a chronic infection by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.
Despite the fact that it is not contagious, it can trigger tissue to fall off, rot away, and grow to be deformed.
The way it is passed on is by close and regular speak to amongst a contagious sufferer and a particular person who is genetically vulnerable to creating the illness.
Scientists feel that similarly to a cold, it can be passed in droplets of saliva from the nose and mouth.
The illness which dates back to 600 BC can strike decades after initial infection and lead to lesions on the skin, loss of sensation in affected areas.
Historically lepers have typically been ostracised by their families and communities, major to the setting up of leper colonies for the duration of the middle ages to quarantine individuals.
Dr Ausama Atwan, from Cardiff University explained: “Our aim is not to alarm folks unduly as leprosy is nonetheless uncommon in the United kingdom, but it is undoubtedly one thing that medical doctors need to be mindful of if they experience individuals, particularly people initially from endemic countries, with persistent or unexplained lesions, alterations to skin pigmentation and sensation.
“Leprosy might masquerade as various other skin problems, given its variety of symptoms. Due to its rarity in Europe, it may possibly very easily be misdiagnosed and consequently pose long term overall health risks for individuals if missed.
“A thorough health-related background, like elements like travel to locations in which the condition is a lot more typical, and examination of the skin and peripheral nerves, with each other with a higher degree of suspicion in men and women at risk, are essential towards diagnosis and the eventual remedy of leprosy.
“The potential prolonged incubation period need to also be borne in mind.”
In June this yr, US researchers announced that they are developing a vaccine towards the condition that is due to be trialed following 12 months.
The study will be presented to the Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference in Glasgow tomorrow in front of one,300 doctors.
Leprosy is nevertheless current in Britain and usually misdiagnosed, say authorities
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