Articles tagged with Leprosy
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Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A groundbreaking study reveals that leprosy was present in the Americas for over 1,000 years before European arrival. The research, led by Colorado State University and the Institut Pasteur, found ancient DNA evidence of the disease in human remains from Canada, Argentina, and Mexico.
NalaGenetics' nationwide genetic screening program will screen up to 16,000 leprosy patients annually for the HLA-B*13:01 biomarker. This initiative builds on a successful pilot test and marks a significant step forward in global efforts to eliminate leprosy.
A recent case report in Ireland shows the challenges of responding to leprosy in high-income countries where it is rare. The study recommends prioritizing education, stigma reduction, and harmonized public health guidelines for sporadic cases.
Researchers have discovered that medieval English red squirrels hosted the leprosy bacterium M. leprae, shedding light on potential transmission pathways between animals and humans during the Middle Ages. This finding highlights the importance of understanding animal hosts in predicting disease persistence.
Researchers found that medieval English red squirrels served as a host for leprosy-causing bacteria, which circulated between humans and animals during the Middle Ages. The discovery highlights the importance of studying animal hosts in understanding disease transmission and persistence.
Researchers have identified a unique role for certain immune receptors in leprosy infections, which could lead to new treatments. The study found that targeting a specific glycolipid and its interaction with an immune receptor may offer an alternative approach to current antibiotic-heavy treatment.
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in mitochondrial-related genes can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to diseases such as Crohn's disease and tuberculosis. The study found that these mutations lead to a new type of cell death called necroptosis, which causes an aggressive inflammatory immune response.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
Researchers analyzed 70,000 ancient skeletons to find declining rates of transmission for these chronic infectious diseases. The analysis suggests that pathogens may evolve to cause less harm to humans over time, leading to reduced transmission.
A green method for synthesizing dapsone has been developed by RUDN University, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional production methods. The new reaction uses hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent, producing only water as a by-product and allowing for high temperatures and catalyst reuse.
A Canadian team found that the LRRK2 gene is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease, and leprosy due to enhanced inflammation. The study suggests that treating excessive inflammation may lead to new treatments and prevention strategies for these diseases.
Researchers identified nine patients with leprosy treated at Mayo Clinic from 1994 to 2017, revealing common factors such as Micronesian lineage and extensive travel while immunosuppressed. The study highlights the importance of treatment and vigilance for immunosuppressed individuals traveling to areas with high rates of leprosy.
Since 2012, the number of leprosy cases in Morocco has decreased significantly, with an average annual decline of -16.83%. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of single dose rifampicin chemoprophylaxis, which has helped to interrupt transmission and reduce disability.
A new study found that 62% of armadillos in the Brazilian Amazon are infected with M. leprae, the bacteria causing leprosy. Residents who consume armadillo meat have higher levels of leprosy antibodies, highlighting the risk of transmission.
A new study on ancient leprosy DNA found diverse leprosy strains circulating in Medieval Europe, contradicting previous assumptions about the disease's origin. The research sequenced 10 medieval genomes, including the oldest to date from around 400 AD, revealing complex transmission dynamics.
LepVax, IDRI's leprosy vaccine candidate, shows promise in pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis against M. leprae infection in animals. It alleviates and delays neurologic disruptions caused by the bacteria, a major breakthrough for leprosy treatment.
Leprosy patients develop unusual fatty clots that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Researchers identified key factors and molecules involved in clot formation, including soluble tissue factor and von Willebrand factor.
A recent study has shed new light on the biology of M. leprae, revealing genes associated with antibiotic resistance and potentially leading to new treatments. The research also suggests that leprosy originated in the Far East, challenging long-held assumptions about its origins.
A new study found a strain of leprosy in a pre-Norman skull from Suffolk, suggesting it was endemic in East Anglia earlier than thought. Squirrel fur trade with Scandinavia may have played a role in the disease's spread.
A promising leprosy vaccine candidate, LepVax, is moving into human trials after years of research. The vaccine has been developed using cutting-edge technologies to induce protective responses against the disease.
A new study analyzing medieval skeletons found that contracting leprosy increased a person's chances of dying, but social status and sex also played roles. The researchers created a model to explore morbidity and mortality through a unique data set, shedding light on the complexities of the disease in the past.
Researchers used zebrafish to study leprosy's impact on nerve cells, finding bacteria trigger a toxic response in macrophages that destroy myelin sheath. The disease may share characteristics with conditions like multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis.
A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.
Researchers randomized 345 patients with type 1 reactions to receive either prednisone or prednisone plus azathioprine for varying durations. While all groups showed some improvement in symptoms, azathioprine failed to reduce recurrence rates or improve outcomes for nerve damage compared to standard treatment.
Researchers analyzed a medieval skeleton found in a leprosy hospital cemetery in Winchester, UK, and discovered the strain of leprosy it carried was genetically distinct from others, linked to South-Central and Western Asia. The findings suggest that resistance to the disease may have developed over time.
A DNA study has found that red squirrels on Brownsea Island are infected with the same species of bacteria responsible for human leprosy infections. The bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, shares close similarities with a strain discovered in medieval Europe and is similar to a strain found in armadillos.
Red squirrels in Britain and Ireland are found to be infected with leprosy bacteria, M. leprae and M. lepromatosis. This discovery raises concerns for conservation efforts as the disease can be transmitted among red squirrels, highlighting the need for better management.
Scientists have discovered human leprosy in British red squirrels, revealing a reservoir for ancient bacteria that drove outbreaks in medieval Europe. The study suggests that the disease may be working against efforts to eradicate it in humans.
Researchers found that mycobacteria use a 'volume control' mechanism to switch between two types of metabolism, adapting to survive in different environments. This discovery provides potential new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.
A study led by the University of Birmingham found that delays in diagnosis of more than 10 years have been reported in Brazil. The research also indicates that reducing social stigma could encourage sufferers to seek early treatment for leprosy.
A study by Fatima Maia and her team found that modifying household utensils can increase autonomy and self-esteem among patients with leprosy. Patients reported feeling joyful using modified tools like toothbrushes, pens, and mugs, while also experiencing frustration with remaining limitations.
A new study by the NTD Modelling Consortium suggests that targeted research and high-quality data analysis can help prevent transmission of these diseases. The researchers aim to identify high-risk populations and develop effective interventions to meet the 2025 target.
Researchers found changes in brain representation for affected muscles due to nerve damage caused by leprosy, indicating evidence of brain plasticity. The study may lead to new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from this ancient disease.
A 1500-year-old male skeleton from Great Chesterford in Essex, England, has been confirmed to have had leprosy through DNA testing and biomarkers. The leprosy strain originated from southern Scandinavia and dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries AD.
Researchers have analyzed the complete genome of Mycobacterium lepromatosis and compared it to that of the major leprosy-causing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The study reveals the origin and evolutionary history of both bacteria, offering new insights into their biology, global distribution, and possibly treatment.
A new study reveals that households affected by leprosy face significant financial burdens due to loss of earnings and treatment costs. The study found that patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, a complication of leprosy, incurred losses equivalent to almost a third of their income.
A new vaccine, rBCG30, offers superior protection against tuberculosis in animal models and cross-protection against leprosy. Boosting rBCG30 with the Antigen 85B protein significantly enhances its effectiveness against leprosy.
A new hypothesis suggests that leprosy has existed for millions of years, with roots dating back to around 10 million years ago. The disease is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of two known leprosy bacteria, which underwent reductive evolution resulting in a lean genome and loss of free-living ability.
Researchers reconstructed medieval leprosy bacteria genomes from 1,000-year-old skeletons and biopsies, revealing minor genetic changes over the last 1000 years. The study suggests improved social conditions and other factors influenced the end of the leprosy epidemic.
Researchers reconstructed medieval leprosy genomes from centuries-old human remains, finding no change in the pathogen's genome despite a significant drop in cases. The study suggests humans may have developed resistance to the disease, which spread through natural selection and social isolation.
Researchers identified a protein called NOD2 that triggers the activation of dendritic cells, which deliver critical information about the pathogen to T-cells. The study found this pathway to be potent in fighting leprosy, but inhibited in more serious forms of the disease.
The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) has received a $1 million grant from RHSC to develop an effective diagnostic tool and vaccine for leprosy. Current approaches are insufficient to eliminate the disease as a public health problem, with 1.6 billion people at risk of exposure.
Researchers discovered that leprosy pathogen Mycobacterium leprae manipulates micro-RNs to evade the human immune system, specifically targeting vitamin D-dependent immune pathways. This finding offers new treatment avenues for infectious diseases.
Researchers found that senior male and female marathon runners have consistently improved their performance over the last 30 years, while younger runners have remained stable. The study suggests that physical activity may slow aging-related processes, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
A Swiss-US team found a new strain of leprosy bacteria in the Southern United States, transmitted through direct contact with armadillos. The study confirms inter-species contamination and highlights the importance of education and prudence to prevent further infection.
A DNA study has identified the earliest known case of leprosy in a 1st-century shrouded man found in a Jerusalem tomb. The analysis reveals that this individual likely died from tuberculosis, challenging the historical association between leprosy and social exclusion.
A large-scale genetic study has identified seven genes that increase an individual's susceptibility to leprosy, a chronic infectious disease affecting skin and peripheral nerves. The discovery highlights the role of innate immune response in leprosy development and may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
A team of scientists analyzed the DNA of ancient remains to discover that Mycobacterium leprae, the leprosy bacterium, has colonized the entire earth due to human travels. The study found that the bacteria's four strains are distributed according to historical population movements.
A 4000-year-old skeleton from India reveals the earliest archaeological evidence of human infection with Mycobacterium leprae, shedding light on prehistoric transmission routes and challenges popular misconceptions about the disease. The findings support a hypothesis that leprosy spread between Africa and Asia during urbanization periods.
Researchers have discovered a new species of leprosy-causing bacteria, Mycobacterium lepromatosis, which attacks skin vasculature and leads to extensive skin death. The finding could account for geographical and individual variation in the disease's severity.
Despite its biblical origins, leprosy remains a significant public health concern in the US, with approximately 150 cases diagnosed annually. Early treatment with medicine is crucial for full recovery, but misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among physicians lead to delayed treatment and debilitating damage.
Researchers identify two distinct cell types, macrophages and dendritic cells, that form the body's emergency response to foreign bacteria. These cells play a crucial role in developing protective immunity against leprosy and other diseases.
A French genetics study comparing leprosy-causing bacteria strains reveals a single bacterial clone has spread globally over centuries. The research also suggests the disease may have originated in East Africa and spread to Europe and North America through human migrations.
A research team has used genetic techniques to determine the geographic origin of leprosy, a disease that has been stigmatized for centuries. The study found four distinct types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which are linked to specific regions and continents.
A collaborative study found evidence of TB and leprosy co-infection in ancient bones across Europe, suggesting that TB overtook leprosy as a more aggressive disease. The findings imply that the decline of leprosy may have been linked to the rise of TB, which brought a speedier death due to opportunistic co-infection.
A host gene variant on chromosome 6 has been identified as making people more vulnerable to leprosy. Researchers used genome scanning to analyze DNA samples from nearly 100 families and confirmed the findings in an additional 200 families.
Researchers found that the leprosy bug attaches to Schwann cells, disrupting the myelin sheath and causing nerve damage. This discovery may provide insights into early molecular events of neurodegeneration processes in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers discovered the exact cellular site where the leprosy-causing bacterium attacks peripheral nerves. The findings point to a way of treating leprosy in its early stages and have tremendous ramifications for understanding nerve damage in other neurodegenerative diseases like muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.