White Cassandra, Franco-Paredes Carlos
Department of Anthropology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, México.
Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015 Jan;28(1):80-94. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00079-13.
Despite significant improvements in leprosy (Hansen's disease) treatment and outlook for patients since the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT) 3 decades ago, the global incidence remains high, and patients often have long-term complications associated with the disease. In this article, we discuss recent findings related to genetics, susceptibility, and disease reservoirs and the implications of these findings for Hansen's disease control and health outcomes for patients. We describe the continued difficulties associated with treatment of inflammatory episodes known as "leprosy reactions," which cause much of the disability associated with the disease and can affect people for many years after MDT is complete. We also discuss some of the contemporary challenges for physicians and patients, including international and internal migration of people affected by the disease. We suggest some important areas of focus for future Hansen's disease research.
尽管自30年前引入多药疗法（MDT）以来，麻风病（汉森氏病）的治疗及患者预后有了显著改善，但全球发病率仍然很高，而且患者常常伴有与该疾病相关的长期并发症。在本文中，我们讨论了与遗传学、易感性和疾病宿主相关的最新研究结果，以及这些结果对汉森氏病控制和患者健康结局的影响。我们描述了治疗被称为“麻风反应”的炎症发作所持续存在的困难，这些反应导致了与该疾病相关的大部分残疾，并且在MDT完成多年后仍会影响患者。我们还讨论了医生和患者面临的一些当代挑战，包括受该疾病影响人群的国际和国内迁移。我们提出了未来汉森氏病研究的一些重要重点领域。
