2006-09-11 19:48:48 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacterium that can lead to disfiguration of the body or skin.
Aside from humans, other creatures that are known to be susceptible to leprosy are the armadillo, mangabey monkeys, rabbits, and mice (on their footpads).
2006-09-12 08:23:16 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Leprosy (Hanson's disease) as such is mostly a disorder of humans. The armadillo connection is that the organism that causes leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) is extraordinarily difficult to grow in culture and from there to study. Odd as it sounds, armadillo's can host and be infected by the bacterium as can the footpads of mice. Most cases of leprosy can be successfully treated with a combination of drugs, largely putting an end to the "leper colonies" that used to exist.
2006-09-12 07:45:50 · answer #2 · answered by Gene Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Armadillos carry leprosy, but I'm not certain they acquire the symptoms of leprosy.
2006-09-12 02:55:02 · answer #3 · answered by Christopher B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Armadillo,
Honestly it is sad,thousands have been used in research
I believe I heard that the illness has reached the natural habitat.
2006-09-12 02:54:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
7-banded armadillos
2006-09-12 03:08:35 · answer #5 · answered by palaver 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a leopard????
2006-09-12 09:07:19 · answer #6 · answered by peter i 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋