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Leprosy as a zoonosis: an update.
G P Walsh1, W M Meyers, C H Binford
1Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C.
Acta Leprologica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Leprosy occurs naturally in nine-banded armadillos, suggesting they are a reservoir for M. leprae. This zoonotic leprosy in animals may impact human control and eradication efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoology
Background:
- Naturally acquired leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), has been documented in several animal species.
- Previous reports include instances in nine-banded armadillos, a chimpanzee, and sooty mangabey monkeys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of animals as potential reservoirs for M. leprae.
- To emphasize the zoonotic potential of leprosy and its implications for public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and case reports on naturally acquired leprosy in animals.
- Epidemiological analysis of M. leprae prevalence in wild animal populations.
Main Results:
- A significant prevalence of leprosy was found in wild nine-banded armadillos, establishing them as a reservoir for M. leprae.
- Exposure to armadillos has been implicated as a potential source of human leprosy infections.
- Leprosy is suggested to be a zoonosis in certain nonhuman primate species.
Conclusions:
- Animal reservoirs, particularly nine-banded armadillos, play a crucial role in the epidemiology of leprosy.
- Zoonotic leprosy must be considered in human leprosy control and eradication strategies.
- Further research into animal M. leprae strains and transmission dynamics is warranted.