leprosy

Pronunciation: lep′rŏ-sē

Definition:

1. A chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting the cooler body parts, especially the skin, peripheral nerves, and testes. Leprosy is classified into two main types, lepromatous and tuberculoid, representing extremes of immunologic response.
2. A name used in the Bible to describe various cutaneous diseases, especially those of a chronic or contagious nature, which probably included psoriasis and leukoderma.

Synonym(s): Hansen disease

[G. lepra, from lepros, scaly]

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