Mycobacterium leprae can cause leprosy, a chronic disease characterized by lesions of the skin and nerve damage, in humans. Other researchers have previously documented transmission of M. The findings from this new research have implications for public health education programs related to these mammals and zoonotic transmission, or the spread of infection between animals and people.
Armadillos have been shown to transmit M. In Brazil, clinicians diagnose about 25, cases of leprosy each year. In comparison, the total number of new leprosy cases found in the U. A person can test positive for the antibody but still not have the disease, Spencer said.
Testing positive for the antibody means that a person has been infected with M. The best way to diagnose the disease is through clinical signs and symptoms, including skin lesions, loss of sensation and nerve damage, pain and inflammation. But will they invade your privacy? Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs.
Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries. History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia.
Magazine How one image captures 21 hours of a volcanic eruption. Science Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. Science The controversial sale of 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops. Science Coronavirus Coverage How antivirals may change the course of the pandemic. Science Coronavirus Coverage U. Travel A road trip in Burgundy reveals far more than fine wine.
About two-thirds of those people contract the disease while travelling overseas. But epidemiologists have long been curious about the other third that get sick at home — mostly in Texas and Louisiana. And armadillos have been the primary suspect. For uninitiated Yankees, armadillos are small mammals, related to anteaters and sloths, best-known for their dinosaur-like armor and small, rodent-like head. They are native to Texas, Louisiana and warmer climes extending to South America.
Like raccoons, they thrive in urban and suburban areas, where they can be considered pests. Scientists learned in the s that armadillos are susceptible to leprosy. In fact, a small percentage already have the disease.
0コメント