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| Fig. 69.2 The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) that has been found to be a carrier of leprosy in the United States, especially in Texas. (From iStock_0000029548.) |
In the past several decades, the nine-banded armadillo (
Dasypus novemcinctus) has been found naturally infected with
Mycobacterium leprae (Fig. 69-2). The disease manifests itself similarly to lepromatous leprosy. Persons who handle armadillos for work or sport are at increased risk for acquiring Hansen’s disease. Curiously, the first reports of naturally occurring armadillo leprosy appeared several years after the animals started being used for experimental infections.
