HLTB21H3 Lecture Notes - Father Damien, Gerhard Armauer Hansen, Mycobacterium Leprae
Document Summary
Discovered by: norewegian microbiologist dr. gerhard armauer. Hansen in 1873: true leprosy is a chronic debilitating and disfiguring infection. Written historical accounts: 1550 bc egyptian papyrus, 1200 bc atharvaveda identify the germ responsible for it identify a plant that could treat leprosy, 326 bc greece records the return of alexander the great from india/pakistan. Cause of alexander"s death- malaria: hippocratic texts provide no evidence that true leprosy existed in ancient greece, but the word lepra is the origin of the name of the disease. Archeological evidence: 2000bc: in india- found male, in late 30s found to have leprosy. Bone is remodelled nasal spine was missing. Initial causes of leprosy: recorded in old testament of leviticus. Mystical: in high middle ages (ad 1100-1300) Loss of social/civic status and rights: left unable to remarry. Special clothes: clothes have to be ripe or torn. Not allow to take care of themselves: wear different colour.
