Leprosy is no longer a cause for concern. The condition is now extremely rare. It's also curable. During and after therapy, the majority of people lead regular lives. Tuberculoid leprosy results when the body produces enough antibodies to fight off the bacteria that cause leprosy. This type of leprosy can be cured completely with antibiotics and/or surgery. Tuberculoid leprosy does not affect nerve tissue. It does not cause pain or loss of function in the limbs. The only way to transmit tuberculosis is through close contact with someone who has the disease. Lepers are not considered to be contagious since they do not have active TB but rather it is assumed they have been exposed to the bacilli before being diagnosed and put on medication. Lepromatous leprosy results when the body does not produce enough antibodies to fight off the bacteria that cause leprosy. This type of leprosy cannot be cured and causes severe damage to nerves leading to deformities and blindness if left untreated. People with lepromatous leprosy may also develop cancer.