Hansen and his view on leprosy

Abstract

(1841-1912), the Norwegian physician who, in 1873, identified the bacillus that causes leprosy, died 100 years ago. Hansen was against the hereditary theory of leprosy. This theory was supported by some of his predecessors (mentors). Convinced of the contagious nature of the disease, Hansen carried out an intensive microscopic investigation. In 1870, he finished his studies in histopathology in Bonn and Viena. In 1871, he returned to Bergen, Norway, and started using primitive staining methods and working with biopsy specimens from patients with leprosy. On February 28, 1873, Hansen, at 32 years of age, described in detail the presence of small rod-shaped bacteria in lepromas. Initially, his findings were not well accepted, but they followed a logical process with different stages that led to proof of the causative agent. These findings were soon universally disseminated. The contagious nature of the disease was then proven and the bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae) was named after him.