Definition:
Leprosy is a chronic, systemic infectious disease affecting primarily the peripheral nerves and secondarily the skin, mucous membranes, the eye, the bones, and viscera
Etiology: Mycobacterium leprae
Epidemiology:
Common in tropical and subtropical areas
Infection is usually contracted during childhood
Both sexes are affected, but lepromatous leprosy (LL) is more common in males
ncubation period: 2 – 5 years in tuberculoid leprosy (TL) & 8 – 10 years in LL