CURRENT LEPROSY SCENARIO IN POST ELIMINATION ERA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2022, Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 11544-11556
Abstract
Background:Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily involving skin and peripheral nerves. A great challenge in disease control is the identification of people at risk of infection and development of disease. The initial skin lesions can be very discrete and asymptomatic, posing a significant challenge in interruption of transmission. Leprosy has been officially eliminated from India since December 2005. But, it is still a major public health problem in some parts of India where the prevalence far exceeds the elimination. Aims and Objectives: To study the clinical and epidemiologic profile of leprosy.Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients attending leprosy clinic of a tertiary care hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. Data regarding demographic details, clinical features, complications and treatment given was analysed. Slit skin smear, electro-neuromyography and lesional biopsy were done, wherever needed.
Results: Out of 265 leprosy cases, Males 194 (72.2%) outnumbered Females 71(27.8%). Commonest age group affected was 20-29 with 55(20.8%) cases next common was 30-39 years with 54(20.4%) cases. BT Leprosy 108(41%) was the most common morphologic type followed by LL 74(28%). But Lepromatous spectrum was accounting for 52% (137) of cases. Reactions were present in 67(25%) cases with Type I accounting for 24(9%) and Type II for 43(16%).
Conclusion: High percentage of MB cases and Leprosy Reactions in new cases of Leprosy was a cause of concern. This study highlights the need for active surveillance in uncovering the hidden cases at the field level and treats them early, especially paediatric cases and those with MB disease. It also emphasizes on the need for an inclusive strategy in the Indian leprosy programme for reaching desired goal of leprosy eradication.
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