Questions on leprosy research

Leprosy Mailing List,
June 17th, 2009
Ref.: Questions on leprosy research
From: Higgins S., Peterborough, England, UK

Dear Dr Noto,

I'm very interested to find out the progress we are making in research into leprosy and would be grateful if any of the members of the LML could enlighten me by answering the questions below:
What are the main current areas of research into leprosy?
What are the most recent findings in relation to leprosy and genetic predisposition, and environmental factors?
Is there any evidence for transmission of leprosy between a mother and her unborn/newborn child?
What evidence is there of leprosy occurring in young children under 3 years of age, and if it is low, is this because we lack the diagnostic tests or because this age group is relatively unaffected?
Are there any statistics to show rate of infection between family members, e.g. is it greater between spouses, siblings or parent-to-child?

Thanks and best wishes,

Siân Siân Higgins
Head of Programmes Coordination,
TLMEW Direct line: 01733 404874