Leprosy is the result of mycobacterium leprae, which is a bacterium. According to scientists, it is one of the oldest bacteria to inhabit the Earth. Even ancient Egyptians have documented information about it.

The bacterium grows very slowly and the incubation period for it is very long. It affects the skin, membranes and the peripheral nerves in the human body. It also affects the mucous membrane. The bacteria affect hands, feet, testes, skin, peripheral nerves, eyes and the upper respiratory organs.

Even today doctors and scientists do not know how leprosy spreads. It does not spread through contact. Some people believe that it could spread from the infected person to another person through the reparatory droplets. However, there can be several other factors influencing the spread of leprosy. One could be a persons own immunity system and if it is weak they can easily get infected by the bacteria. Some environmental factors could be acting as a trigger. It could also be due to food and dietary habits. If a person is suffering from leprosy, then the immediate family members can get affected by it and the chances of getting the disease are higher.

Leprosy is a slowly progressing disease and upon getting infected the bacteria may never show any signs of infection until the disease starts progressing. The bacteria can take two or three years or sometimes a few decades for incubation. Until then, the person may never realize the presence of the bacteria in their body. Leprosy if identified in its early stages can be treated effectively. However, the incubation period for the leprosy-causing bacteria can be anywhere from 6 months to many decades.

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• Early Signs Of Leprosy
• History Of Leprosy
• How Is Leprosy Spread ?
• Leprosy Symptoms
• What Causes Leprosy ?
• Where Is Leprosy Found ?