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Nonhuman sources of leprosy
W M Meyers1, B J Gormus, G P Walsh
1Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C. 20306-6000.
Summary
Leprosy bacteria (M. leprae) exist in animal reservoirs, notably armadillos in the US. Eradicating leprosy requires addressing these animal sources alongside human treatment.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), remains a public health concern.
- Extrahuman reservoirs of M. leprae are increasingly recognized.
- The role of animal reservoirs in human leprosy transmission is a critical area of study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and implications of extrahuman reservoirs of M. leprae.
- To assess the potential impact of animal reservoirs on leprosy control and eradication efforts.
- To identify key animal species and geographic areas for further investigation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on M. leprae reservoirs.
- Epidemiological analysis of leprosy transmission patterns.
- Consideration of environmental and wildlife impacts of reservoir control.
Main Results:
- Confirmed extrahuman reservoirs of M. leprae in three animal species.
- Strong evidence implicating the nine-banded armadillo in human leprosy epidemiology in Texas and Louisiana.
- Current control measures may eliminate leprosy as a public health problem, but not eradicate it without addressing animal reservoirs.
Conclusions:
- Ultimate eradication of leprosy necessitates managing extrahuman M. leprae reservoirs.
- Control of leprosy in animal reservoirs like armadillos has significant environmental implications.
- Surveys for enzootic leprosy in natural habitats of mangabey monkeys and chimpanzees in West Africa are warranted.