A Spectrum of Challenges: Understanding Classification and Immunology in Leprosy
Release Date: 08/13/2025
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_outlineIn 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. Transcript
Show Hosts:
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:
- Geluk A, van Meijgaarden KE, Franken KL, Subronto YW, Wieles B, Arend SM, Sampaio EP, de Boer T, Faber WR, Naafs B, Ottenhoff TH. Identification and characterization of the ESAT-6 homologue of Mycobacterium leprae and T-cell cross-reactivity with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infect Immun. 2002 May;70(5):2544-8. doi: 10.1128/IAI.70.5.2544-2548.2002. PMID: 11953394; PMCID: PMC127910.
- Nogueira MR, Latini AC, Nogueira ME. The involvement of endothelial mediators in leprosy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2016 Oct;111(10):635-641. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760160122. Epub 2016 Oct 3. PMID: 27706378; PMCID: PMC5066329.
- Trindade MA, Benard G, Ura S, Ghidella CC, Avelleira JC, Vianna FR, Marques AB, Naafs B, Fleury RN. Granulomatous reactivation during the course of a leprosy infection: reaction or relapse. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2010 Dec 21;4(12):e921. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000921. PMID: 21200422; PMCID: PMC3006134.
- Costa WDL, de Oliveira AM, Aguilar GJ, Dos Santos LMAC, Dos Santos LRA, Donato DCB, Foresto F, Frade MAC. A review of software and mobile apps to support the clinical diagnosis of Hansen disease. JMIR Dermatol. 2023 Aug 18;6:e47142. doi: 10.2196/47142. PMID: 37594779; PMCID: PMC10474501.
- Salgado CG, Pinto P, Bouth RC, Gobbo AR, Messias ACC, Sandoval TV, Dos Santos AMR, Moreira FC, Vidal AF, Goulart LR, Barreto JG, da Silva MB, Frade MAC, Spencer JS, Santos S, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â. miRNome expression analysis reveals new players in leprosy immune physiopathology. Front Immunol. 2018 Mar 9;9:463. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00463. PMID: 29593724; PMCID: PMC5854644.
- Bernardes Filho F, Silva CML, Voltan G, Leite MN, Rezende ALRA, de Paula NA, Barreto JG, Foss NT, Frade MAC. Active search strategies, clinicoimmunobiological determinants and training for implementation research confirm hidden endemic leprosy in inner São Paulo, Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Jun 14;15(6):e0009495. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009495. PMID: 34125854; PMCID: PMC8224878.
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).