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Leprosy can make an unwanted return, thanks to the armadillo, according to a new study from Brazil
The study found that the bacteria responsible for leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, existed in 62% of nine-band armadillos. sampled in the western state of Para in Brazil, National Geographic reports.
The armadillo species is very popular to eat in Brazil and it is believed that it has a chicken taste.
to pick up the disease too, with many showing high concentrations of anti-leprosy antibodies in their blood.
Of the 146 people tested for the disease, a whopping 92 tested positive for the antibody.
Researchers say a major change to their diet could stop the spread – do not eat the tainted armadillo meat, especially in the ceviche.
Armadillo ceviche is a popular dish in the region, and consists of raw liver and tatoo onions, but lepros bacteria centered in the liver and spleen, so ceviche is very dangerous.
James Loughry, armadillo expert, stated that National Geographic was important, but it should be noted that the size of the sample was very small
. The researchers were able to analyze only 16 armadillos and 146 humans because of the difficulty to find enough armadillos to analyze.
The team had to rely on those who were shot by hunters, who were reluctant to hand them over for fear of being prosecuted. to hunt wildlife in Brazil.
Newshub.
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