What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim was to explore environmental exposures in individuals with Hansen’s disease compared to household contacts.

January 14, 2026Open Access

P-1410. Exposure to Potential Environmental and Zoonotic Reservoirs of Mycobacterium leprae Among Individuals with Hansen’s disease, Central Florida

Key Points

The aim was to explore environmental exposures in individuals with Hansen’s disease compared to household contacts.
Recruited participants from private dermatology clinics in East/Central Florida.
Included those diagnosed with Hansen’s disease in the past 10 years and their household contacts.
Administered structured questionnaires to collect data on exposures.
36 individuals were enrolled: 24 with Hansen’s disease and 12 household contacts.
79% of index cases reported regular soil contact compared to 27% of contacts (p=0.003).
67% of index cases reported gardening, while 36% of contacts reported the same (p=0.07).
Armored contact rates were similar between cases and contacts, indicating the role of environmental exposure.

Abstract

Abstract Background Hansen’s disease (HD, leprosy), caused by Mycobacterium leprae and M. lepromatosis, remains endemic in parts of the southeastern United States with increasing incidence in Florida. In 2023, Florida accounted for 23 of 225 U.S. cases. The nine-banded armadillo is a known reservoir for M. leprae with mounting evidence of its role in transmission. M. leprae has also shown viability in soil, prompting examination of environmental exposures. Therefore, we aimed to explore environmental exposures in those with HD versus household contactsTable 1.Demographic Characteristics of Index Cases 20 (55%) were female. All individuals were U.S. born or were residents for 50+ years. 19 (79%) index cases and 3 (27%). Contacts reported regular soil contact (p=0.003). 16 (67%) index cases and 4 (36%) contacts reported gardening (p=0.07). 5 (21%) index cases and 2 (18%) contacts reported touching armadillos (p=0.6), 3 (13%) index cases and 2 (18%) contacts reported trapping them (p=0.5), and 2 (8.3%) index cases reported hunting them (p=0.4). 1 contact (8.3%) reported travel to a high-risk country for HD (p=0.3). Conclusion This study showed frequent exposure to soil in those with HD that statistically differed from contacts. Typical risk factors like travel to, foreign residence in, or immigration from risk areas were absent. Armadillo contact did not differ greatly between cases and contacts, suggesting that the environmental route may be important in the epidemiologic triangle between humans and armadillos. Considering the ongoing detection of HD in Florida, particularly in East/Central Florida, future studies should continue to elucidate the role of contact with animal and environmental exposures in transmission. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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