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Armadillos and leprosy: from infection to biological model
Ilanna Vanessa Pristo de Medeiros Oliveira1, Patrícia Duarte Deps2, João Marcelo Azevedo de Paula Antunes1
1Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium leprae is the primary causative agent of Hansen's disease or leprosy. Besides human beings, natural infection has been described in animals such as mangabey monkeys and armadillos. Leprosy is considered a global health problem and its complete pathogenesis is still unknown. As M. leprae does not grow in artificial media, armadillos have become the primary experimental model for leprosy, mimicking human disease including involvement of the peripheral nervous system. Leprosy transmission occurs through continuous and close contact of susceptible people with untreated infected people. However, unknown leprosy contact has been reported in leprosy-affected people, and contact with armadillos is a risk factor for leprosy. In the USA, leprosy is considered a zoonosis and this classification has recently been accepted in Brazil. This review presents information regarding the role of wild armadillos as a source of M. leprae for human infections, as well as the pathogenesis of leprosy.
Insights
Wild armadillos are a source of Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria causing Hansen's disease (leprosy). Contact with these animals is a risk factor for human infection, highlighting leprosy as a zoonosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonoses
Background:
- Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
- Natural M. leprae infections occur in humans and certain animals like armadillos.
- The complete pathogenesis of leprosy remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of wild armadillos as a source of M. leprae for human infections.
- To discuss the pathogenesis of leprosy.
- To highlight leprosy as a zoonotic disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on M. leprae, Hansen's disease, and animal reservoirs.
- Analysis of transmission routes and risk factors, including animal contact.
- Examination of the experimental model of leprosy in armadillos.
Main Results:
- Armadillos serve as a primary experimental model for leprosy due to M. leprae's inability to grow in artificial media.
- Contact with armadillos is identified as a significant risk factor for human leprosy.
- Leprosy is increasingly recognized as a zoonotic disease, particularly in the USA and Brazil.
Conclusions:
- Wild armadillos represent a reservoir for M. leprae, posing a zoonotic risk to humans.
- Understanding armadillo-to-human transmission is crucial for leprosy control and prevention strategies.
- Further research into leprosy pathogenesis and transmission dynamics is warranted.
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