Leprosy is a chronic infectious disorder, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which is a typical intracellular pathogen. Transient or long-standing bacteremia is thought to be required for successful ...

By analysing the DNA in the bones, the team found genetic sequences from M. leprae in three people and one red squirrel. “There really was leprosy circulating among medieval squirrels,” says ...

Caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, the contagious infection attacks the skin and peripheral nerves, with potentially serious after-effects, including physical deformities. The disease ...