Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Group Synchronization During Collaborative Drawing Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: August 5, 2022
[HANSEN'S DISEASE IN ISRAEL]
1Israeli Hansen's Disease Center, Department of Dermatology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem.
Insights
Hansen's disease (HD), a chronic infection by Mycobacterium leprae, still requires increased awareness and early diagnosis despite global elimination efforts. This update highlights HD in Israel, emphasizing the need for timely detection to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hansen's disease (HD), caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting skin and peripheral nerves.
- While early treatment prevents complications, poor awareness and late diagnosis are common, even in non-endemic regions.
- Despite WHO elimination campaigns, HD persists globally, necessitating ongoing vigilance and improved diagnostic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness of Hansen's disease (HD) in Israel.
- To present updated epidemiological data for HD in Israel and globally.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for HD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Hansen's disease (HD).
- Analysis of epidemiological data for HD in Israel.
- Overview of the global situation regarding HD prevalence and diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Hansen's disease (HD) continues to be diagnosed globally, including in Israel.
- Late diagnosis is a significant issue, often due to low awareness and exclusion from differential diagnoses.
- Updated epidemiological data for Israel and a global perspective are presented.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness and prompt diagnosis of Hansen's disease (HD) are crucial for effective management and prevention of disability.
- The study underscores the need to include HD in differential diagnoses, even in regions where it is not endemic.
- Continued surveillance and public health initiatives are necessary to combat the ongoing impact of HD.
Introduction:
Hansen's disease (HD) is an anthropophylic, infectious, chronic disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The systemic disease, affecting both males and females at any age, involves mainly the skin and the peripheral nerves located in the limbs close to the skin. Traditionally the treatment of HD patients was entrusted to dermatologists. Current drug therapy given at an early stage can prevent many of the complications, and enables patients to go on with life. In 95% of the population there is an innate immunity, which following exposure, enables the development of an effective immune response preventing the development of overt clinical disease. So far, there is neither an effective vaccination nor a simple test which can predict susceptibility to the infection. A long history of ignorance and stigmatization may add a social dimension to the physical ailment and suffering of HD patients. Despite the elimination campaign declared by the WHO in the early 1990s, the disease continues to exist. New patients are diagnosed each year, though in lower numbers and HD patients can be found all over the world. The relatively low prevalence of HD in non-endemic countries and the misconception that it has been eradicated long ago, make the awareness to the disease extremely poor. HD is usually not included in the differential diagnosis even when clear symptoms are present. This results in a very late diagnosis of new HD patients, thus missing the window of opportunity for early treatment which could prevent complications and disability. The purpose of this update is to raise awareness to the existence of HD in Israel and its diagnosis, to present updated epidemiological data for Israel and a glimpse at the global situation.
