Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, historically prevalent in Europe but now considered a rare, imported disease in many regions. In Italy, leprosy has undergone a remarkable transformation, from endemic prevalence during the medieval period to near eradication by the 20th century. This article examines the historical, medical, and social factors that have influenced leprosy’s trajectory in Italy, highlighting its ancient origins, medieval peak, and gradual decline due to cross-immunity with tuberculosis and evolving public health measures. During the early modern period, urbanization, improved hygiene, and the dominance of tuberculosis contributed to a significant reduction in leprosy cases. By the mid-20th century, the introduction of multidrug therapy and the establishment of specialized leprosy treatment centres further facilitated control efforts. However, the global epidemiology of leprosy has shifted due to migration from endemic areas, presenting new challenges for Italy. Since the 1980s, most cases reported in Italy have been imported, primarily from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This resurgence of leprosy, although limited in scale, underscores the need for enhanced public health strategies, including targeted screening for high-risk populations and improved access to healthcare for migrants. Delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma, and underreporting remain significant barriers to effective management.
BT - Indian Journal of Leprosy DA - 12/2025 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, historically prevalent in Europe but now considered a rare, imported disease in many regions. In Italy, leprosy has undergone a remarkable transformation, from endemic prevalence during the medieval period to near eradication by the 20th century. This article examines the historical, medical, and social factors that have influenced leprosy’s trajectory in Italy, highlighting its ancient origins, medieval peak, and gradual decline due to cross-immunity with tuberculosis and evolving public health measures. During the early modern period, urbanization, improved hygiene, and the dominance of tuberculosis contributed to a significant reduction in leprosy cases. By the mid-20th century, the introduction of multidrug therapy and the establishment of specialized leprosy treatment centres further facilitated control efforts. However, the global epidemiology of leprosy has shifted due to migration from endemic areas, presenting new challenges for Italy. Since the 1980s, most cases reported in Italy have been imported, primarily from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This resurgence of leprosy, although limited in scale, underscores the need for enhanced public health strategies, including targeted screening for high-risk populations and improved access to healthcare for migrants. Delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma, and underreporting remain significant barriers to effective management.
PB - Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, New Delhi PY - 2025 SP - 383 EP - 397 T2 - Indian Journal of Leprosy TI - The History of Leprosy in Italy: From Ancient Origins to Modern Challenges UR - https://www.ijl.org.in/published-articles/29122025083302/di_Guardo_Oct_Dec_2025.pdf ER -