Estimates of genetic susceptibility to leprosy were made in the past from observational reports in familial settings using descriptive epidemiologic data. Risk of conjugal transmission of leprosy (from one spouse to another) has been estimated between 1-10% and is thought to occur in 3-5% of spouses exposed to untreated lepromatous disease in the partner. Risk of secondary transmission is presumed higher in other family members than for the conjugal partner. This belief has become dogma to many leprologists who may no longer know the basis for this estimation. This article reviews the historic epidemiologic descriptions of risk for leprosy transmission in married couples compared to other family members. Although uncommon, conjugal leprosy occurs and at higher rates in populations with traditional familial intermarriage and consanguinity.
BT - Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23283448?dopt=Abstract CN - JOYCE 2012 DA - 2012 Dec DO - 10.1590/s0074-02762012000900004 J2 - Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz LA - eng N2 -Estimates of genetic susceptibility to leprosy were made in the past from observational reports in familial settings using descriptive epidemiologic data. Risk of conjugal transmission of leprosy (from one spouse to another) has been estimated between 1-10% and is thought to occur in 3-5% of spouses exposed to untreated lepromatous disease in the partner. Risk of secondary transmission is presumed higher in other family members than for the conjugal partner. This belief has become dogma to many leprologists who may no longer know the basis for this estimation. This article reviews the historic epidemiologic descriptions of risk for leprosy transmission in married couples compared to other family members. Although uncommon, conjugal leprosy occurs and at higher rates in populations with traditional familial intermarriage and consanguinity.
PY - 2012 SP - 17 EP - 21 T2 - Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz TI - Historic aspects of human susceptibility to leprosy and the risk of conjugal transmission. UR - http://www.scielo.br/pdf/mioc/v107s1/04.pdf VL - 107 Suppl 1 SN - 1678-8060 ER -