History of leprosy in Mexico: from the 15th century to the21st century

Abstract

Leprosy is an infectious disease transmitted by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. While it’s not a new disease, its incidence over time has changed, and in some places, it has been eradicated. However, in other areas, it is still considered a public health problem, and Mexico is one of them. Throughout global history, diagnostic, therapeutic, prevention, control, and surveillance strategies have been implemented to reduce its incidence. Currently, our country is attached to various national and international programs for managing this disease, aiming to reduce its prevalence and eventually eradicate it. Nevertheless, many socioeconomic factors have hindered the complete achievement of these goals, which have been modified but not entirely eliminated. The purpose of this review was to conduct a retrospective analysis of leprosy management in Mexico, aiming to present the current situation to raise awareness of the potential seriousness of this disease becoming a public health priority again. This review also seeks to promote new research to identify the cause of the recent increase in cases over the past year. It includes a historical breakdown of the epidemiological trends of this disease in the country, as well as the various therapeutic and diagnostic measures and their impact in the current context.