Emerging Concept on Peripheral Nerve damage in Leprosy

In spite of the many advances in the understanding of leprosy and its management, leprosy evokes fear in the common man and in professionals alike. In a recent survey in western countries, it was surprising to find that, when asked, people preferred to contract AIDS rather than leprosy. There is no doubt that ignorance about leprosy is the major factor in this public reaction. However, it is important to note that it is the deformities brought about by nerve damage that are largely responsible for this horror and dread of the disease; a horror and dread which appear to be almost universal. It is estimated that more than one fourth of all reported leprosy patients have disabilities, and of these nearly half are severely disabled. With over 12 million estimated leprosy patients in the world, the economic loss to the community caused by leprous neuritis must be enormous. The social and psychological effects of deformity cannot be measured.