The Curse of the Nine-Banded Armadillo: Case Report and Review

Abstract

Hansen's disease (leprosy) is an ancient condition characterized by hypopigmented patches that progress to become plaques with hypoesthesia. Several case reports suggest that armadillos may be a source of Mycobacterium leprae for clinical cases, and contact with armadillos has been shown to be a significant risk factor in several case-control studies. Early diagnosis and treatment result in an excellent prognosis and provide an effective means to prevent complications of peripheral nerve injury, social stigma, and disability. We present a case of Hansen's disease in a previously healthy veteran and provide an overview of the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of the condition. Clinicians should consider leprosy in the differential diagnosis when confronted with chronic skin lesions in the appropriate clinical setting.

Hepatic steatosis in six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758)

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatty liver disease in an armadillo suggests an acute infectious process with lymphoid system involvement. Armadillos are endangered animals, which have been heavily exploited for hunting, food and popular culture, and at the same time are involved in numerous cases of zoonosis (Richini-Pereira et al, 2014, Elsayed et al, 2015. Clinical case reports describing spontaneous pathological states in these animals are key for the improvement of natural and, when necessary, captivity environments, for both the conservation of these species and the development of zoonosis-related research.…”

Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Leprosy

“…Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is an ancient disease that continues to impose a significant societal burden and is still relevant to peripheral nerve and plastic surgery. 1 , 2 At least 213,899 new cases globally were last reported, 3 and currently, more than 4 million people worldwide experience disabilities due to Hansen’s disease. 4 In the United States, leprosy continues to exist, with 175 new cases in 2014 and a prevalence of 293 as of today.…”