**10. Prophylaxis and monitoring**

The early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are preventive measures in the initial spreading of this infectious disease. Hemoprophylaxis in children exposed

**165**

*Leprosy in the Modern Era*

**11. Miscellaneous issues**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91450*

prolonged – from 6 months to 2 years [15].

linked to the higher leprosy susceptibility.

the innate and adaptive immunity [15].

the skin, muscle and nerve invasion.

sity of further investigational studies.

antibody titer to M. leprae antigens (PGL-1) [16].

**12. Rehabilitation and social issues and future prospects**

to infection is also required (BCG vaccine). For the treatment of leprosy, sulphonic preparations (dapsone) and rifampicin are used. The duration of treatment is

Recent studies suggested that the presence of the PARK2/PACRG gene (chromosome 6q25-q27) as well as the presence of the NRAMP1 gene (chromosome 2q35) is

TAP1 and TAP2 (transporter associated with antigen processing) genes (located on chromosome 6p21), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) (chromosome 6p21), and the VDR (vitamin D receptor) gene (chromosome 12q12) are associated with

In the majority of infected individuals, leprosy takes on an intermediate form, which may – to a variable degree – show clinical features of tuberculoid and lepro-

In PB forms it has been noted higher cellular response to M.leprae due to the Th1 cytokines such as IFN-y. There are also lower antibody titers to M. leprae – specific antigens. In the individuals with MB form of leprosy there is an absence of the capacity to mount a cell mediated response due to T cell anergy. There is a high

In untreated individuals with leprosy, there are progressive, destructive and irreversible body impairments. Such deformities and ulcers are the consequence of

Recent studies [15] suggest the role of PARK2 and *LACC1* as one of the major genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of leprosy, thus implicating the neces-

matous leprosy. This intermediate form is referred to as borderline leprosy.

to infection is also required (BCG vaccine). For the treatment of leprosy, sulphonic preparations (dapsone) and rifampicin are used. The duration of treatment is prolonged – from 6 months to 2 years [15].
