Leprosy in the tropics and Australia

Leprosy is no longer the feared disease of the past, but it still causes significant morbidity in countries where it is endemic, and it is estimated that up to 2500 million people are at risk of contracting the disease. Control with dapsone monotherapy over the past 20-30 years has been effective in some countries but secondary and, more recently, primary drug resistance is now widespread. This situation prompted the development of multidrug therapy regimens which are proving highly effective. Here the natural history and clinical features are described, as well as the history and impact of leprosy in Australia. Early diagnosis and the current multidrug regimens offer hope for long-term control of the disease.