History & Epidemiology of Leprosy

This is the first episode of our special leprosy awareness series, where we explore the science, history, and the clinical perspective behind one of the most disturbing diseases of all time, leprosy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history, stigma, and current epidemiology of leprosy. We are honored to have as our guest, an outstanding physician and public health leader, Dr. Vera Andrade. Dr. Andrade has dedicated her career to leprosy, working with national programs and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Dr. Andrade is interviewed by Dr. Camila Pupe and Dr. Wilson Marques. Transcript

Vera Andrade, MD, PhD
Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, and Consultant in Neglected Tropical Diseases
State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro (SESRJ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – Retired
Medical doctor with extensive national and international experience in public health. Retired from the State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro (SESRJ) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Specialist in Public Health, Leprology, and Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, with a Master's and PhD in Public Health from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ). Extensive knowledge of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and experience in health programs across Africa and Asia. Recognized for dedication and competence in controlling communicable diseases and promoting global public health.
 
Camila Pupe, MD, PhD
Universidade Feral Fluminense
Associate Professor of Neurology - UFF.   Member of Junior Committee and International Outreach, Membership and Diversity Committee of the Peripheral Nerve Society.
 
Wilson Marques, Jr, MD, PhD
School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo

Here are links to additional information:

• Sczmanski AS, Pazin L, Sakae TM, Mazon J. Analysis of the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazil and Major Regions. An Bras Dermatol. 2025 Jun 18;100(4):501127. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2025.501127. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40554354; PMCID: PMC12213943.
• Lages, D.d.S.; Maciel, I.C.L.; Vidal, S.L.; Lana, F.C.F. Spatial, Social and Serological Factors in the Prevalence and Risk of Leprosy in Areas of High Endemicity: An Integrative Review. Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17, 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030057
• Zhang, K., Zhang, W., & Lu, H. (2025). Global Trends in the Incidence, Prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years of Leprosy from 1990 to 2019: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 18, 883–898. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S508600
• Santacroce L, Del Prete R, Charitos IA, Bottalico L. Mycobacterium leprae: A historical study on the origins of leprosy and its social stigma. Infez Med. 2021 Dec 10;29(4):623-632. doi: 10.53854/liim-2904-18. PMID: 35146374; PMCID: PMC8805473.

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PNS Podcast Statement
The purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS).