Mycobacterium leprae is responsible for the disease. This bacterium grows very slowly and mainly affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. With early diagnosis and treatment, many leprosy symptoms and complications can be minimized or avoided.

Treatment of leprosy generally depends on the type of the disease.  Leprosy can be cured but it is essential to take the full course of medication. Today, the disease can generally be cured with antibiotics. In 1981, the WHO recommended the use of a combination of three antibiotics to treat leprosy which takes six months to a year or more. These three antibiotics are Dapsone, Rifampin and Clofazimine.

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