A Spectrum of Challenges: Understanding Classification and Immunology in Leprosy
The Peripheral Nerve Podcast
In the second episode of our Leprosy Awareness series, we discuss one of the most complex and fascinating aspects of leprosy: classification and immunology, a topic connecting science, diagnosis, and clinical care. We're joined by guests Prof. Marco Andrey, dermatologist, leprologist and researcher at USP - Ribeirao Preto, Brazil and President of the Brazilian Society of Hansenology and by Prof. Ben Naafs, a globally respected tropical dermatologist with contributions on the reactions, spectrum, and immune response are fundamental for our modern understanding of leprosy. Show Hosts: Camila...
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History & Epidemiology of Leprosy
The Peripheral Nerve Podcast
This is the first episode of our special leprosy awareness series, where we explore the science, history, and the clinical perspective behind one of the most disturbing diseases of all time, leprosy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history, stigma, and current epidemiology of leprosy. We are honored to have as our guest, an outstanding physician and public health leader, Dr. Vera Andrade. Dr. Andrade has dedicated her career to leprosy, working with national programs and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Dr. Andrade is interviewed by Dr. Camila...
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The Peripheral Nerve Podcast Introduction
The Peripheral Nerve Podcast
Launching this summer! The Peripheral Nerve Podcast is the official podcast of the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS). In each multi-episode series, we fully explore a topic, bringing in expert guests from around the world to share their insights, illuminate the subject and provide practical knowledge for clinicians and basic scientists. As an international organization, we strive to provide insight into topics from a global perspective, shedding light on issues unique to various regions. Learn more about the Peripheral Nerve Society at . Subscribe now! | | PNS Podcast Statement The...
info_outlineThis is the first episode of our special leprosy awareness series, where we explore the science, history, and the clinical perspective behind one of the most disturbing diseases of all time, leprosy. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history, stigma, and current epidemiology of leprosy. We are honored to have as our guest, an outstanding physician and public health leader, Dr. Vera Andrade. Dr. Andrade has dedicated her career to leprosy, working with national programs and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Dr. Andrade is interviewed by Dr. Camila Pupe and Dr. Wilson Marques. Transcript
Vera Andrade, MD, PhD
Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, and Consultant in Neglected Tropical Diseases
State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro (SESRJ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – Retired
Medical doctor with extensive national and international experience in public health. Retired from the State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro (SESRJ) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Specialist in Public Health, Leprology, and Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, with a Master's and PhD in Public Health from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ). Extensive knowledge of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and experience in health programs across Africa and Asia. Recognized for dedication and competence in controlling communicable diseases and promoting global public health.
Camila Pupe, MD, PhD
Universidade Feral Fluminense
Associate Professor of Neurology - UFF. Member of Junior Committee and International Outreach, Membership and Diversity Committee of the Peripheral Nerve Society.
Wilson Marques, Jr, MD, PhD
School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo
Here are links to additional information:
- Sczmanski AS, Pazin L, Sakae TM, Mazon J. Analysis of the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazil and Major Regions. An Bras Dermatol. 2025 Jun 18;100(4):501127. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2025.501127. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40554354; PMCID: PMC12213943.
- Lages, D.d.S.; Maciel, I.C.L.; Vidal, S.L.; Lana, F.C.F. Spatial, Social and Serological Factors in the Prevalence and Risk of Leprosy in Areas of High Endemicity: An Integrative Review. Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17, 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030057
- Zhang, K., Zhang, W., & Lu, H. (2025). Global Trends in the Incidence, Prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years of Leprosy from 1990 to 2019: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 18, 883–898. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S508600
- Santacroce L, Del Prete R, Charitos IA, Bottalico L. Mycobacterium leprae: A historical study on the origins of leprosy and its social stigma. Infez Med. 2021 Dec 10;29(4):623-632. doi: 10.53854/liim-2904-18. PMID: 35146374; PMCID: PMC8805473.
Learn more about the Peripheral Nerve Society at www.pnsociety.com.
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PNS Podcast Statement
The purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS).