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Abstract
Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, identified in 1873 by Gerhard Hansen. This bacillus mainly affects Schwann cells and the skin, and is transmitted mainly through the respiratory tract. The history of leprosy in Brazil is marked by a long period of compulsory isolation in leprosarium colonies, which was only abolished in 1954. The disease continues to be a public health problem, especially in countries such as Brazil and India. In addition, it is worth noting that leprosy manifests itself through skin and nerve lesions, and its clinical forms include indeterminate, tuberculoid, virchowian and dimorphic. Standard treatment involves polychemotherapy (PCT), which combines rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine, with the duration varying according to the type of disease (paucibacillary or multibacillary). Although the disease progresses slowly, reactive crises may occur, requiring immediate treatment. Leprosy still carries social stigmas, and awareness of its risk factors and prevention is crucial.
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