Mechanism of Survival of Mycobacterium leprae in Natural Environments and its Transmission within Leprosy Endemic Area

Bonita fetching water from the hand-pump.
Sunitra (pink sari, approx. 70) and Bonita (yellow sari, approx. 60)
Sunitra and Bonita are friends and share a home in an isolated leprosy colony. They were both forced out of their villages due to leprosy. They share decades of companionship since they were widowed. Both ladies have to beg for food, walking nearly six kilometres every day. They share all their food and never have meat. They might be able to have vegetables once every four days.
They would love to have a toilet as it’s dangerous in the dark at night. Location: Odisha Location: Odisha

Mechanism of Survival of Mycobacterium lepraein Natural Environments and its Transmission within Leprosy Endemic Area” is a 36-month research project (starting January 2026) led by The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) through the Stanley Browne Research Laboratory (New Delhi) and TLM Hospital, Purulia (West Bengal), in collaboration with the Schieffelin Institute of Health – Research and Leprosy Centre (Karigiri, Tamil Nadu) and the National Hansen’s Disease Program (USA).

Conducted in the leprosy-endemic district of Purulia, West Bengal, the project integrates environmental sampling, molecular diagnostics, GIS mapping, cell culture models, and murine footpad assays to address a critical knowledge gap: whether environmental reservoirs contribute to ongoing transmission. The findings aim to strengthen national leprosy control strategies, inform WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) policies, and support more comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to interrupting transmission and protecting communities.