The Potential Role of AI in Addressing Challenges in the Clinical Management of Hansen's Disease

Abstract

Missed and delayed diagnoses exacerbate the burden of Hansen's disease (HD), also known as leprosy, contributing to the ongoing transmission of the causative agents and having a significant impact on the lives of affected individuals and their families. These delays also strain public health systems due to the heightened risk of lifelong impairments and disabilities. A concerning factor is that, in 2022, the top three HD-affected countries saw an increase in new cases compared to the previous year, threatening WHO targets of interrupting transmission. Artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a strong ally for endemic countries, aiding in the rapid detection of new HD cases, personalizing HD treatment, and addressing accessibility issues, especially in regions facing a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. This article reviews the main published studies and discusses the potential role of AI in the clinical management of HD.