Leprosy (i.e., Hansen’s disease) is a chronic disease secondary to infection with either Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis. While the incidence of this disease is decreasing across the world, there is mounting evidence that it might be increasing, and becoming endemic, in the United States. Leprosy was once considered a potential threat to the blood supply, and while this threat has not borne out, it is worth revisiting the available data to assess whether it may pose a threat in the future. Herein, we discuss the evidence for and against the potential for transfusion-transmission of leprosy, and highlight future areas of research to further elucidate this possibility.
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【저자키워드】 Infectious disease, blood donation, blood supply, leprosy, Hansen’s disease, transfusion-transmitted infection, Donor testing,
【저자키워드】 Infectious disease, blood donation, blood supply, leprosy, Hansen’s disease, transfusion-transmitted infection, Donor testing,