Abstract: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and nerves, and in severe cases can lead to disability. Early diagnosis is critical for controlling disease development and preventing disabilities. The various diagnostic methods for leprosy were reviewed in this paper, including traditional techniques such as microscopy, culture, histopathology, and lepromin tests, as well as emerging technologies in molecular biology, serology, immunology, mass spectrometry, electrophysiology, imaging, optical techniques, and other novel approaches. Additionally, we evaluated the prospects for applying these diagnostic technologies.

Key words: leprosy, aetiology, lepromin tests, molecular biology, laboratory technology, immunology