Leprosy and Autoimmunity

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which affects peripheral nerves and skin. The relevance of this disease comes from complex interactions between bacilli and the host immune system that lead to different clinical findings dependent on changes in T- and B-cell responses. Severe systemic manifestations may also occur at any time during the infection and even years after treatment. This chapter describes the clinical and pathogenic features of leprosy and the interaction of leprosy with other diseases.