What Is Leprosy?

What is leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) bacteria. It can affect the skin and the nerves of the hands and feet as well as the eyes and the lining of the nose. In some cases, leprosy can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys and testicles in men. If left untreated, leprosy can cause deformities of the hands and feet, blindness, and kidney failure.

Leprosy is also called Hansen’s disease.