If left untreated, leprosy can lead to physical disability, disfigurement, and deformities such as claw hand (where the fingers become weakened and curved inward), foot drop (inability to flex the ...

Leprosy has existed for more than 3,000 years and is the one of the oldest diseases known to humanity. Though a cure is available, 200,000 individuals are still diagnosed with the disease each year.

The bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, initially developed to provide protection against TB, also protects against leprosy; and the magnitude of this effect varies. Previous meta-analyses ...