Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) Clinic

Welcome to Our Multidisciplinary Clinic!

We are focused on advanced care for those living with Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

Location: UF Health Medical Plaza

1549 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32610

**Clinic is held every third Thursday of the month. Additional appointments can be made. To schedule an appointment or send referral: click here

Meet Our Team

Hansen’s disease (Leprosy) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. This disease has been documented in humans for centuries but emerging locally acquired cases are being seen here in Florida.

To learn more about how our team is tackling leprosy here in Florida please click here:

This infectious disease primarily impacts the skin and nervous tissue.

Clinical signs and symptoms of Hansen’s disease (Leprosy):

• Red skin rash that is slowly growing. This can be a single area or multiple areas of the body
• Skin rash can be thickened and feels rough. It can also be shaped like a ring with normal skin in the center and redness on the outside.
• Thickening or enlargement of ears, eyebrows and nose can be seen.
• Decreased sensation at the site of skin rash, particularly in the middle of the rash area
• Neuropathy or decreased sensation with “pins/needle like feelings” in the arms and/or legs can be felt. This can be asymmetrical or impact both extremities.
• Enlargement of a nerve can be seen in an arm or leg. This is typically painful.

Diagnosis of Hansen’s disease is made based off clinical exam and biopsy of the rash or skin. It is VERY important that skin biopsy is done when we suspect leprosy and special staining and molecular testing is conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

In our clinic we perform those tests and will ensure all diagnostic approaches are taken to investigate leprosy.

Risk factors for Hansen’s disease:

• Lived in an endemic region outside United States such as certain regions in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Bangladesh and some regions in Africa
• Close contact and living with someone who has multibacillary leprosy for months to years
• Direct contact with the nine-banded armadillo or soil associated with its burrows. This can also include ingestion of armadillo meat as a food source.
• Some may have genetic predisposition to developing Hansen’s disease (leprosy) after infection.
• Weakened immune system due to certain medications or conditions

Treatment:

Hansen’s disease is curable and treated with multidrug therapy focused on antibacterials and sometime immune modulating medications. Our team has experience with advanced cases of leprosy and navigating immune reactions that can occur. This includes the use of biological medications and agents like thalidomide.

We look forward to seeing you in the clinic for consultation.