Leprosy in wild armadillos

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Wild nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are identified as natural hosts for Mycobacterium leprae.
• Leprosy infection has been confirmed in armadillos across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas over the past 30 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and distribution of Mycobacterium leprae in wild nine-banded armadillo populations.
• To assess the potential role of armadillos as a reservoir for Mycobacterium leprae and a source of human infection.

Main Methods:

• Conducted surveys on over 5000 wild nine-banded armadillos across the south central United States.
• Analyzed infection rates in relation to geographical location, animal density, and local environmental factors.

Main Results:

• Highest prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae was observed in low-lying alluvial and coastal regions of Louisiana and Texas.
• Limited evidence of infection was found in armadillos outside these primary areas and in Central/South America.
• Leprosy existed in Texas and Louisiana prior to the expansion of armadillo populations into these regions.

Conclusions:

• Infected armadillos represent a significant reservoir of Mycobacterium leprae.
• The ecological relationship between humans and armadillos regarding M. leprae transmission remains to be fully elucidated.
• Armadillos may serve as a source of leprosy infection for humans in the United States and potentially elsewhere.