Prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae in the environment: A review

The purpose of this review was to study the presence of Mycobacterium leprae in the environment and its relation with meteorological variables such as temperature and humidity. There are reports, which provide evidence that meteorological factors such as temperature and soil humidity can influence the dynamics of M. leprae. However, leprosy cases are registered both in the rainy and dry seasons, indicating that M. leprae remains viable in different environmental conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to establish the meteorological pattern(s) required to maintain the bacilli in the environment. The extensive area of endemic countries, endemicity in the bordering countries, diversity of biomes, and lack of urban infrastructure together with weather features are possible factors that influence transmission of the disease.