What other disease is leprosy related to?

Answer 1

Leprosy is a slowly progressing bacterial infection that affects the skin, peripheral nerves in the hands and feet, and mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes. It is not easily communicable and by itself has few noticeable effects, but it destroys nerves, which can lead to a loss of sensation in affected areas. This loss of sensation means that small cuts can go unnoticed and become extensively infected - the leper may not notice the cut until the infection is severe enough to be visually obvious. This can result in the loss of fingers or toes, or in other visible deformities from opportunistic infections.

Answer 2

It is a disease of the skin and nerves in the hands and feet.

Answer 3

This bacterium is related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis.

Answer 4

Leprosy is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.