Leprosy Leprosy is one of the world’s oldest and most misunderstood diseases. It has afflicted mankind for centuries and is also referenced in the Bible. Some of the oldest documented cases date back to 600 BC in China and India (LEPROSY 1). For several years Leprosy has “ ... etched a terrifying image in history and human memory, of mutilation, reflection and exclusion from society” (A World 1). Throughout history there have been misconceptions of body parts falling off and isolation. Leprosy was the first bacteria that was found to cause disease in humans (Leprosy: A Misunderstood 1). In 1874 Gerhard