A Survey of Leprosy amongst the Lovale Tribe in the Upper Zambesi Basin, Northern Rhodesia

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic disease due to the invasion of the skin, mucous membranes, peripheral nerves, the cells of the reticulo-endothelial system and, less commonly, certain other parts of the body (e.g., testis) with the Mycobacterium leprae. We do not know how the bacilli gain entry and become established in the tissues of the host, but all I have observed is in keeping with the view that most infections probably take place through skin abrasions and, just possibly, some, particularly in children, via intact skin.