The medical term for leprosy is Hansen’s disease, named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen who identified the causative bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. While historically referred to as leprosy in ancient texts and cultural contexts, modern medical professionals and public health organizations exclusively use the term Hansen’s disease to reduce the historical stigma associated with the condition. What are the historical and alternative names for leprosy? Throughout history, leprosy has been known by various names, many of which carry significant social stigma. Older literature may refer to the condition as "Hansen’s bacillus infection" or "lepra." In some regions, historical terms such as "Elephantiasis Graecorum" were incorrectly used to describe the disease. Because the condition has been documented for thousands of years, these archaic terms often appear in religious texts or historical chronicles, which can cause confusion for patients researching their condition today. What is the official medical classification of Hansen's disease? In modern clinical practice and international coding systems, the preferred nomenclature is Hansen’s disease. The following list outlines how the condition is categorized in major medical databases: ICD-11: Classified under 1B20 (Leprosy) and officially recognized as Hansen’s disease. Orphanet: Listed as ORPHA:117205, identifying the condition under the preferred term Hansen’s disease. OMIM: Documented under entry #609888, which focuses on the genetic susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae infection. Why are there multiple names for this condition? The shift from leprosy to Hansen’s disease was driven by a global effort to eliminate the prejudice and social exclusion historically linked to the word "leper." By centering the name on the medical discovery of the causative agent, the healthcare community aims to emphasize that leprosy is a curable, non-highly infectious disease that can be treated with multidrug therapy (MDT). Understanding that both terms refer to the same bacterial infection is essential for patients navigating medical records and international health literature. Next steps Consult an infectious disease specialist or a dermatologist if you suspect symptoms of leprosy. Visit the World Health Organization (WHO) or the American Leprosy Missions website for accurate, stigma-free educational materials. Connect with the community at DiseaseMaps.org to share experiences with others navigating the diagnosis of leprosy. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References World Health Organization (WHO): Leprosy (Hansen's disease) Fact Sheets. NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Hansen’s Disease. Orphanet: Rare Disease Database (ORPHA:117205). OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (Entry #609888).

Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08

The medical term for leprosy is Hansen’s disease, named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen who identified the causative bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. While historically referred to as leprosy in ancient texts and cultural contexts, modern medical professionals and public health organizations exclusively use the term Hansen’s disease to reduce the historical stigma associated with the condition. What are the historical and alternative names for leprosy? Throughout history, leprosy has been known by various names, many of which carry significant social stigma.

Leprosy synonyms

Name: Leprosy synonyms
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2016-09-06UTC20:38:54.0000000

Other names for Leprosy: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.

The medical term for leprosy is Hansen’s disease, named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen who identified the causative bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. While historically referred to as leprosy in ancient texts and cultural contexts, modern medical professionals and public health organizations exclusively use the term Hansen’s disease to reduce the historical stigma associated with the condition.

What are the historical and alternative names for leprosy?

Throughout history, leprosy has been known by various names, many of which carry significant social stigma. Older literature may refer to the condition as "Hansen’s bacillus infection" or "lepra." In some regions, historical terms such as "Elephantiasis Graecorum" were incorrectly used to describe the disease. Because the condition has been documented for thousands of years, these archaic terms often appear in religious texts or historical chronicles, which can cause confusion for patients researching their condition today.

What is the official medical classification of Hansen's disease?

In modern clinical practice and international coding systems, the preferred nomenclature is Hansen’s disease. The following list outlines how the condition is categorized in major medical databases:

ICD-11: Classified under 1B20 (Leprosy) and officially recognized as Hansen’s disease.

Orphanet: Listed as ORPHA:117205, identifying the condition under the preferred term Hansen’s disease.

OMIM: Documented under entry #609888, which focuses on the genetic susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae infection.

Why are there multiple names for this condition?

The shift from leprosy to Hansen’s disease was driven by a global effort to eliminate the prejudice and social exclusion historically linked to the word "leper." By centering the name on the medical discovery of the causative agent, the healthcare community aims to emphasize that leprosy is a curable, non-highly infectious disease that can be treated with multidrug therapy (MDT). Understanding that both terms refer to the same bacterial infection is essential for patients navigating medical records and international health literature.