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ABSTRACT:
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by M. leprae and M. lepromatosis, affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. In addition to humans, it also infects Dasypus novemcinctus (nine-banded armadillo) and other mammals, highlighting its potential zoonotic and anthroponotic relationship.
It is a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide, including cases reported in Panama. Despite international eradication campaigns, complete elimination has not been achieved; questions remain regarding transmission dynamics and the role of natural reservoirs in disease persistence.
Little progress has been made in diagnostic techniques and approaches. Current treatment consists of polychemotherapy with multiple antibiotics acting on different levels of Mycobacterium. Although advances have been made in treatment regimens, the cure rate is not 100%, and there are reports of emerging antimicrobial resistance.
