Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth. Prolonged close contact over months with someone with untreated leprosy is needed to catch the disease. Leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. | Avicenna Medical College & Hospi

Can we find newer, shorter, and safer treatments for multibacillary leprosy? NEJM Editorial Fellow Abarna Pearl, MD, MPH, summarizes an open-label, proof-of-concept study involving bedaquiline monotherapy as a treatment for multibacillary leprosy. Read the full trial results: https://nej.md/3ZQUjsn | The New England Journal of Medicine