a
chronic, infectious disease caused by a bacterium that attacks the skin, flesh, nerves, etc. it is characterized by
ulcers, white scaly scabs, deformities and wasting of
body parts.
a mildly infectious disease that develops
open sores and white, scaly scabs. Leprosy attacks the skin and nerves, causing weakening and wasting of muscles and may
lead to
tuberculosis or other diseases. If not treated, the injury to the nerves
results in
loss of feeling,
paralysis and deformity. See also
tuberculosis in the glossary of this book.