The origin and development of leprosy in antiquity

Abstract

Die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van melaatsheid in die antieke tydThe origin and development of leprosy in antiquity FRANÇOIS RETIEF Navorsingsgenoot, Universiteit van die Vrystaat fpr@shisas.com LOUISE CILLIERS the typical "leonine facies"), subcutaneous abscesses, destruction of nerves and other tissues, blindness, deafness and testicular atrophy (lepromatous leprosy). Medical writings of ancient civilisations show that a leprosy-like disease was recognised in Mesopotamia by the 2nd millennium BC, and possibly in India and China in the 1st millennium BC. It has been suggested that leprosy was brought to the Mediterranean region by Alexander the Great's armies, 4th century BC. Leprosy produces pathognomonic bone lesions, and the earliest osteo-archaeological evidence of leprosy was found in Egyptian skulls