2006-08-09 07:00:04 · 8 answers · asked by ronaldrrichard 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, the same group of organisms that tuberculosis is in. It does infect peripheral nerves. There has been thought in the past that leprosy caused fingers, toes, ears, etc to fall off. The tissue destruction is actually due to secondary bacterial infections. The secondary infections are often overlooked due to the loss of sensation, ie nerve damage. It isn't highly contagious and is easily treated. The only known natural reservoir in the US is armadillos.
2006-08-09 07:26:20 · answer #1 · answered by GOSHAWK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leprosy
2006-08-09 14:02:59 · answer #2 · answered by D'oh! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leprosy? aka Hansen's Disease. It is a bacterial infection that destroys nerve endings. Very treatable now with antibiotice. It's not a cancer, though.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/hansens_t.htm
2006-08-09 14:04:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is leprosy. Find info at the site listed.
2006-08-09 14:08:14 · answer #4 · answered by unclejed56 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leprosy? Try googling it.
2006-08-09 14:03:00 · answer #5 · answered by every1lovesamixedgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to see that your fingers are probably falling off.
2006-08-09 14:03:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's also known as Hansen's Disease. Armodillos can also get it.
2006-08-09 15:54:32 · answer #7 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here are a few interesting websites.
2006-08-09 14:04:43 · answer #8 · answered by Natalie M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋