2015年3月2日 · Scientists believe that we actually transmitted leprosy to them about 400 to 500 years ago. Today, up to 20 percent of some armadillo populations are thought to be infected.

2011年4月27日 · For years, scientists have speculated that armadillos can pass on leprosy to humans, and that they are behind the few dozen cases of the disease that occur in the U.S. every year. Now, they have evidence.

2018年6月29日 · An international team led by researchers at Colorado State University has found that human contact with wild armadillos — including eating the meat — has contributed to extremely high infection rates of a pathogen that can cause leprosy in Pará, Brazil.

Mycobacterium leprae is the primary causative agent of Hansen’s disease or leprosy. Besides human beings, natural infection has been described in animals such as mangabey monkeys and armadillos. Leprosy is considered a global health problem and its …

armadillos rapidly became the hosts-of-choice for in vivo propagation of leprosy bacilli, and, since armadillos and humans are the only hosts that can develop extensive neurological involvement with M. leprae, they’re leading models for piloting new therapies and diagnostics.

2023年10月3日 · Some experts say the nine-banded armadillo may be behind a rise in domestically transmitted cases of leprosy. Another group quick to defend the armored creature says there’s little data to...

2024年10月17日 · Armadillos, with their unique susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae, have become crucial to leprosy research. Their natural infection mirrors human leprosy, providing valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis.

2023年12月7日 · Armadillo leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with armadillos and can cause skin lesions, nerve damage, and other severe symptoms.

2015年7月22日 · Yes, health officials in Florida have reported nine cases of leprosy so far this year. And yes, armadillos can transmit leprosy. But scientists say we needn't fear the armored mammals.

Other than humans, armadillos are the only animals that become infected with M. leprae in nature, and many functional, physiological, and structural aspects of leprosy in armadillos closely replicate those seen in human leprosy.