Leprosy as a zoonosis: an update
Walsh, G.P.; Meyers, W.M.; Binford, C.H.; Gormus, B.J.; Baskin, G.B.; Wolf, R.H.; Gerone, P.J.
Acta Leprologica 6(1): 51-60
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5938 PMID: 3051854 Document Number: 311376
Naturally-acquired leprosy has been reported in nine-banded armadillos captured in the southern United States, a chimpanzee from Sierra Leone, and in two "sooty" mangabey monkeys from Nigeria. A significant prevalence of leprosy in wild armadillos establishes this animal as a reservoir of M. leprae, and exposure to armadillos has been implicated as a source of leprosy in humans. Current evidence suggests that leprosy is a zoonosis in certain nonhuman primate species. Control and eradication programs for leprosy should take into consideration the possible influence of extra-human sources of M. leprae, especially zoonotic leprosy.