Trends in leprosy over fifty years in Gudiyatham Taluk, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

This paper presents epidemiological trends over a fifty-year period observed in a defined population served by the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre (SLR & TC), Karigiri, Vellore District in Tamil Nadu. It covers three distinct periods, namely, the pre-MDT era with dapsone monotherapy, the MDT era under a vertical leprosy control programme and the MDT era after leprosy control services were integrated into the general health services. Prevalence rates have declined steadily from 125 per 10,000 population at the time of introduction of MDT in 1982 to 5 per 10,000 at the time of integration in 1997 to less than 1 per 10,000 in 2005. The new case-detection rate was 5.4 per 10,000 when the field programme started in 1962, and held steady at 15-20 per 10,000 between 1970 and 1980. It then showed a gradual fall from 10.8 per 10,000 in 1985 to 3.9 at the time of integration, and continued to fall in the post-integration period and was 0.8 per 10,000 in 2005. The mean age at detection showed a gradual increase from 23.4 years in the dapsone era to 31.2 years in the post-integration period. The male: female ratio showed a preponderance of males almost throughout the reference period. While polar types of leprosy (TT & LL) were common in the dapsone era, more of borderline leprosy (BT & BL) cases was seen more recently. MB rates that were high initially, declined steadily during monotherapy and stabilized between 10% and 12% during the vertical MDT programme and is showing an increase in the post-integration-period. The proportion of cases with Grade 2 disability at registration showed a gradual decline during the monotherapy period, remained relatively unchanged at 8%-10% during the the MDT period, and showed a sharp rise in the immediate post-integration period before falling. Analysis of trends of leprosy in a well-defined geographical population over a fifty-year period gives useful information on how the disease has evolved over the years. It provides opportunities to explore the reasons for the changes observed, though one has to be cautious while interpreting such data due to changes in definition, the play of operational factors, and changes in policies and strategies.     

A review of trends in new case-detection in Subarnapur district of Orissa

Trends in new case-detection are analysed by reviewing the demographic and leprosy epidemiological data and current indicators in Subarnapur district, Orissa State and India. Population-specific new case-detection rates were calculated for analysis. The trend of skin-smear positive cases over a period of 10 years was reviewed in respect of smear positive cases of 1991. During the years 2002 to 2004, a sudden fall was noticed in the new cases detected in both India and Orissa state, whereas the decline in Subarnapur district was more gradual. The fall in the female-specific new case-detection rates is found to be rapid from 11 to 2.5 over the last three years. This also indirectly indicated the health-seeking behaviour of women in accessing health services and hence required a changed strategy. A similar rapid decline was observed in child-specific new case-detection rates. On analysiS, the decline of highly bacilliferous cases from 1991 to 2001 was found to be statistically significant. The analysis also brought out the fact that cases with bacterial index of 1+, 2+ and 3+, though small in numbers, were detected during the last three years indicating continued presence of cases with low bacterial density in the community. The review indicates a definite decline in the occurrence of new cases in all groups. Caution needs to be exercised about continued presence of cases with low bacterial index though in small numbers. The rapid decrease of cases in all groups during the years 2004 and 2005 warrants meticulous surveillance. The surveillance activities could include monitoring of population-specific new case-detection rates and skin-smear positive cases at district and state levels in order to advise on leprosy eradication programme strategies.     

Trends in new case-detection leprosy in Bihar, India

Multi-drug therapy (MDT) has been successfully implemented in all leprosy endemic countries. Prevalence of leprosy has declined remarkably after the introduction of MDT. Detection of new cases did not show expected decline in many endemic and low endemic situations. Bihar in India started implementing MDT in 1993. The Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT) supported the leprosy control programme in Bihar by providing a district technical support team (DTST) for each district assigned to DFIT. Effective coverage was achieved in 1996-98. Data for the period 1996-2004 from 10 districts are presented in this paper. The total population in these districts was 29.4 million. Deformity among newly detected leprosy patients declined to 1% indicating effective early case-detection. Intensive new case-detection activities were in vogue contributing to high new case-detection rate (NCDR). The NCDR remained high during the 9-year period reported here and did not show any declining trend.     

Leprosy scenario in southern part of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, after 16 years of control work

This article examines the changes that occurred in epidemiological indices over a period of 16 years following the introduction of MDT in Ullal town, south of Mangalore city, having a population of 130,000. The analysis indicates that new case-detection rates and prevalence rates showed a declining trend due to shorter duration of treatment with MDT. There was a ten-fold reduction in the prevalence rate during the first 6 years, from 23 in 1987 (230 cases) to 2.76 per 10,000 (29 cases) at the end of 16 years. The number of nmultibacillary cases among the newly detected cases showed a downtrend (from 28 cases in 1987 to 5 in 2001). The number of newly detected cases presenting with single lesion also showed a declining trend.     

Study on integration of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme into primary health care services: a pilot project

The Central Leprosy Training and Research Institute, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, undertook an interventional study, as a pilot project, on integration of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) vertical activities into the PHC system in two selected districts of Visakhapatnam and Krishna of Andhra Pradesh, between September 1997 and March 1999. The objective of the study was to assess the various operational aspects and implications of integrated implementation of the activities of the NLEP through the PHC system. 1,304,163 people (239,142 in the study group and 1,065,020 in the control group) were enrolled in the study. The methodology employed in carrying out the pilot project in the two selected districts is described. MDT was in operation for more than 5 years in these two districts through vertical approach. Prevalence has declined from >50/10000 at the start of MDT to about 3/10000 at the start of the project. During the implementation phase, 1459 new leprosy cases were detected (NCDR 5.39/10000 person-years) and 1458 cases were released from treatment (RFT rate: 93.04%) and towards the end of the project 450 cases were under treatment (PR 1.66/10000). Simple rates, ratios and proportions were used in the analysis of data and results were compared. The interventional study was designed to assess the implications and impact of implementation of NLEP activities through PHC staff. The study design, rationale, data collection, data processing, quality control methods employed in the study project and the results are discussed. The results of the study indicate that integrated implementation of the NLEP by PHC staff is feasible, if proper support is provided.     

Progress towards the elimination of leprosy in Nigeria: a review of the role of policy implementation and operational factors

The annual reports of the national leprosy control programme in Nigeria were reviewed to study the trends of the indices of leprosy control from 1992 to 2003 and determine the influence of operational and policy factors. By 2003, both national prevalence and case detection rates had reached below 0.5 per 10,000. Sub-nationally, all except three contiguous States in the Southeast, had prevalence rates below one case per 10,000. Over the 12 years, the prevalence rate decreased by 94-1%, from 7.14 to 0.42 per 10,000, with two periods of rapid decline: 1992-1994 and 1998. Remarkable surges of discharges from multi-drug therapy (MDT) occurred in these same periods. The period 1992-1994 corresponds to the years of introduction of MDT, case reviews, and clean-up of leprosy registers nationwide, while 1998 corresponds to the year the programme adopted the shortened 12-month MDT regime for multibacillary (MB) leprosy. The overall trend of case detection since 1992 was relatively stable, but had three significant periods of initial increase (1992-1994), stability (1994-1999) and recent decline (1999-2003), apparently related to the changing levels of activeness of the national programme. The pattern of new cases detected revealed increasing MB classification and lower disability, but a relatively stable child rate since 1992. The trend of MB proportion was also related to the years of MDT introduction and the adoption of a new leprosy case definition and classification policies. Thus, Nigeria has attained a low leprosy endemic status-mainly through operational and policy influences. The challenges that remain include reducing the relatively high leprosy burden in the Southeastern States and evolving effective case detection interventions that will make an observable impact on the incidence of leprosy.     

Trends in detection of new leprosy cases at two centres in Himachal Pradesh, India: a ten-year study

An impressive decline in leprosy prevalence rate (PR) in all endemic districts of India is seen in the post-MDT era. However, the new case-detection rate, an important statistical indicator in leprosy control programmes, has not shown significant decline in spite of all efforts. In Himachal Pradesh, a decline in PR from 7.8 to 0.56/10000 between 1991 to 2000 is seen, and recently the State has won national acclaim for having achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy in all the districts. The vertical leprosy programme has been integrated into general health services of the state. An analysis of data from 1991 to 2000 of two leprosy control units of Himachal Pradesh, the Urban Leprosy Clinic in Shimla (ULC-S) and the District Leprosy Control Unit in Mandi (DLCU-M), showed no significant decline in the new cases detected. 277 and 271 new cases were detected at these centres respectively; these included 2.2% and 1.5% children of less than 14 years of age. Almost 75% of these cases were males and of MB type. A steadily increasing trend in the annual detection of new cases was seen at both the centres during the decade. The cases registered at DLCU-M were mainly indigenous to the district. At ULC-S, 45 migrant cases from other endemic areas-mainly from Nepal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh-had also contributed to the increased number of new cases. Other possible causes discussed for this higher new case detection, e.g. overdiagnosis, detection of backlog "hidden cases" and voluntary reporting of patients, do not differ from those seen in other parts of the country or the world.     

Evaluation of national leprosy eradication programme in Satara District, Maharashtra

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of national leprosy eradication programme (NLEP) in Satara District. A retrospective record based study was conducted in the district leprosy control unit with evaluation indicators like prevalence rate (PR), new case detection rate (NCDR), percentage of cases released from treatment, proportion of female cases among new cases, proportion of multi bacillary (MB) cases among new cases, proportion of grade-2 disability among new cases and proportion of child cases among new cases and trend was analyzed for statistical significance by using Chi-square test. During study period from year March 2003-04 to March 2007-08, there was decrease in PR of leprosy from 2.46/10000 population to 0.62/10000 population, NCDR decreased from 3.46/10000 population to 0.77/10000 population and trend was statistically significant (p<0.001*, P<0.001*) respectively. Declining trend of grade 2 disability among new cases was noted and this was statistically significant (p<0.01*). Proportion of female cases among new cases showed little fluctuation from 43.3% to 47.5% but trend was statistically significant (p<0.03*). Proportion of MB cases among new cases increased from 44.4% to 53.6% while proportion of child cases among new cases decreased from 16.5% to 12% and trend was statistically significant (p <0.001*, p<0.001*) respectively. The NLEP has a favorable impact towards elimination of leprosy in Satara District, Maharashtra.     

Treatment outcome and impact of leprosy elimination campaign in Sokoto and Zamfara states, Nigeria

A Leprosy Elimination Campaign (LEC) was implemented in 37 districts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, Nigeria from 13 August to 30 November 1998. The campaign utilized intensive community mobilization and training of local health personnel to detect hidden leprosy cases. During 8 weeks of case finding, 160,127 persons were screened; 353 new cases of leprosy were detected and placed on MDT; 236 (67%) of new cases detected were classified as MB, 64 cases (18%) suffered visible deformities and 24 patients (6.8%) were children. Follow-up in December 1999 of patients placed on MDT revealed 97% PB and 96% MB cure rates, respectively. Detection of cases in communities led some community leaders to ask for repeat surveys in their communities. Repeat surveys continue to yield new cases. The authors recommend that LECs be maintained for 3 years to accelerate leprosy elimination in the region. The cost effectiveness and impact of LEC in Sokoto-Zamfara are discussed.     

Epidemiological pattern of leprosy in Ethiopia: a review of the control programmes

Leprosy control started in a limited area of Ethiopia in 1956. Extended coverage of the country was achieved in the early seventies. Review of the data from the control projects since 1976 revealed that leprosy is a disease of the Ethiopian highlands where prevalence rates as high as 7 per thousand have been recorded in some provinces, while the cumulative national average for the last 13 years was 2.6 per thousand. The paucibacillary form was predominant. However, unlike other African countries, a relatively high proportion of multibacillary leprosy was found in Ethiopia. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1 with the highest prevalence in the 15-44 years age bracket. Detection rates for new cases have shown a gradual decline since 1982, a year before multiple drug therapy (MDT) was introduced into the country. For the last 5 years the number of new cases has stabilized at 4700/year. These trends probably reflect a general reduction in the prevalence of leprosy in the country, while the conspicuous decline in 1982 is most likely related to discharge of cases during screening before MDT. The new villagization policy of Ethiopia with its effective reorganization of the populations is believed to make control programmes and supervision of MDT easier and presumably more effective. Similarly, more reliable prevalence and incidence studies could be undertaken with success.     

Epidemiological shift in leprosy in a rural district of central India following introduction of multi-drug therapy (April 1986 to March 1992 and April 1992 to March 2002)

This study compares the epidemiological pattern of leprosy in pre- (April 1986 to March 1992) and post- (April 1992 to March 2002) multi-drug therapy (MDT) periods by retrospective analysis of 3274 registered leprosy cases in the rural field area of Regional Leprosy Training & Research Institute (RLTRI), situated in Raipur district of Chattisgarh province of Central India. The area has high endemicity for leprosy. In the post-MDT period, prevalence rate (PR) came down to less than 1 in 10, while New Case Detection Rate (NCDR) remained almost static during the two periods. Of the total new registered cases, 30.1% were registered during the pre-MDT period and the remaining 69.9% during the post-MDT period. Comparison of key leprosy variables among new registered cases showed a 2-fold rise in the proportion of MB cases (14.8 versus 27.6%), 3.0% increase in proportion of child cases (15.3 versus 18.6%) and cases with deformity grade II (3.1 versus 5.9%) and 4.0% increase in female proportion (41.4 versus 45.7%) during the post-MDT period. A decline was noted in mean age of registration for both MB (6.4 years) and PB (5.7 years) groups in the post-MDT period. While comparing treatment and outcome related variables, a marked fall of 25.8 months was recorded in treatment duration in the post-MDT period. The defaulter rate came down by 45.0% and relapse rate by more than 12.0% during the same period. The study shows that MDT is effective operationally, but continued ongoing transmission of infection and delayed diagnosis needs corrective action.     

Impact of MDT on leprosy with a special reference to monolesions and smear positivity among the new cases

The impact of MDT on the prevalence and incidence rate of leprosy was studied in a project area of 130,000 population over a period of 14 years, with a special reference to new monolesional cases and those presenting as smear positive cases. The prevalence rate showed a fall from 23 per 10,000 in 1986-87 to 1.33 per 10,000 in 1999-2000. The number of cases presenting with single lesion however showed a downward trend from 63.69% in 1986-87 to 26.09% in 1999-2000. The cases showing smear positivity among the new cases detected showed an ascent from 3.91% in 1986-87 to 4.35% in 1999-2000 with a peak of 25% in 1995-96. A similar trend was seen in the analysed figures of the 4 general surveys done.     

Clinical, bacteriological and histopathological study of 62 referral relapse cases between Jan 2004 and Dec 2009 at the Foundation for Medical Research, Mumbai

Sixty two patients with relapsed leprosy seen between Jan 2004 and Dec 2009 were studied using clinical, bacteriological and histopathological parameters. The findings thus obtained were correlated to parameters such as trend and source of referral, clinical characteristics at diagnosis, treatment received, other events during or after RFT and duration between cessation of treatment and relapse. FINDINGS: Referrals per year have doubled since 2006. Most patients were referred by NGOs (58%), followed by Govt. hospitals (16%) and then by GPs (25%); 76% had received one of the WHO - MDT regimens including 16 treated with 24 months or more MB - MDT, 23 with 12 months MB - MDT and eight with 6 months PB - MDT. Of the remaining 14 cases, four had received DDS mono-therapy, seven had single dose of Rifampicin, Ofloxacin and Minocycline (ROM) and four Rifampicin and Ofloxacin (RO) daily for 28 days. The average incubation time of relapse, defined as duration between cessation of treatment and relapse was (SD) + 6-4 years. 59% of patients had positive slit skin smears on relapse. Relapse for the second time occurred in six BL cases including five from group 2 and one RO treated patient and 11/23 cases from group 2 conferred to BT-BB leprosy. Clinical features at diagnosis and on relapse were comparable in 47% of cases. CONCLUSION: All leprosy patients, regardless of their type and MDT regime, carry 'risk of relapse'. A shorter treatment duration reduces the incubation time to relapse. In group 2 (treated with 12 months MB-MDT regime) 11/23 were BT-BB cases and 5/23 (21%) were relapse for the second time, which further supports our earlier documented findings and maybe the efficacy of WHO-MDT regime is poor in a small subset of patients.     

2005-2020年贵阳市麻风流行病学特征分析

目的：了解贵阳市2005-2020年麻风的流行病学特征。方法：通过全国麻风防治管理信息系统（LEPMIS）收集整理贵阳市2005-2020年新、复发麻风患者的详细资料,采用SPSS 18.0软件对麻风病例的一般情况和就诊次数、麻风反应、残疾情况、传染源、发现方式和型别等相关因素进行χ2检验和非条件logistic多因素分析。结果：贵阳市2005-2020年共发现新、复发麻风169例,年均发现率0.260/105,总体呈下降趋势,复发病例7例,其中3例是联合化疗后复发（42.86%）,4例为DDS单疗后复发（57.14%）。169例患者平均年龄(41.88±16.75)岁,儿童病例（14岁及以下）6例,占新发病例的3.55%,MB∶PB=2.13∶1,平均2级残疾比为32.54%,发现方式以皮肤科就诊为主,占31.36%。影响畸残的主要因素为麻风患者的文化程度高低、不同传染源、不同的发现方式和麻风型别。结论：贵阳市麻风流行状态总体呈下降趋势,但2级残疾发病率高并且还有儿童病例（14岁及以下）出现,麻风疫情依然严峻。     

Impact of multidrug therapy on leprosy in Baroda district (Gujarat)

Though much information is available on MDT organising, it poses a challenge to the field staff due to limited field trials conducted and varied field conditions. The MDT project was begun on 11th June, 1984 in Baroda by the Govt. of India, with active assistance of State Government, the World Health Organisation and the Swedish International Development Agency. The Drug combinations for MB cases were Rifampicin 600 mg, Clofazamine 300 mg and dapsone 100 mg daily for 14 days intensive supervised therapy followed by once a month (Pulse) supervised dose of Rifampicin 100 mg, Clof. 300 mg and dapsone 100 mg for minimum period of 2 years or more if indicated and Clof 50 mg daily with dapsone 100 mg daily unsupervised for minimum period of 2 years or more if indicated, for PB cases, dapsone 100 mg daily for 6 months along with Rifampicin 600 mg supervised (Pulse) once a month for minimum period of 6 months or more if indicated. Total number of active cases at commencement of MDT was 10706, out of these 10348 (96.37%) brought under MDT till Dec. 1987. Amongst 10348, old active cases 9112 (88.05%) are cured with MDT, (3110 MB + 6002 PB) 180 old MB cases BI is still positive inspite of completed 24 pulse. The rest 1056 (10.23%) stopped the treatment for various reasons. 790 (74.81%) cases have left the villages to earn their livelihood, 30 (2.86%) were being treated by skin specialist, 86 (7.19%) refuse to continue the treatment inspite of best efforts of field staff. New cases detected since June 1984 till Dec. 1987 are 7628, out of which 7549 (96.28%) brought under treatment. Now cases cured till Dec. 1987 are 4640 (1120 MB + 3520 PB) 17 cases relapsed after MDT (15 PB + 2 MB). 280 (1.56%) cases got complications, 250 developed reactions, 3 cases Jaundice, 15 cases Gastritis and rest 12 got moderate to severe anaemia. The prevalence rate came down from 5.81 to 1.01% per thousand population till Dec., 1987. The deformity rate came down amongst new cases from 6.15 to 1.50% till Dec. 1987. regularity of treatment among PB cases is 90.84% as compared to 90.48% for MB cases. The study showed that MDT can be implemented in tribal, rural and urban populations with high rate of compliance.     

联合化疗中麻风反应的临床特征及糖皮质激素治疗的效果分析

目的了解麻风联合化疗时麻风反应的发生情况,评价糖皮质激素对麻风反应的治疗效果。方法对本市1986-2005年采用联合化疗方案治疗后达到临床治愈的新发及复发麻风病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 63例进行联合化疗的麻风患者,有37例曾经发生72例次麻风反应,23例发生Ⅰ型麻风反应34例次,15例发生Ⅱ型麻风反应31例次,7例发生混合型麻风反应7例次;且73.53%麻风反应发生在联合化疗1年内,Ⅱ型麻风反应均出现在联合化疗1年后,但是混合型麻风反应出现时间不一。麻风反应以皮肤和周围神经症状为主要表现,其中Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型和混合型麻风反应发生时有皮肤症状者分别占64.71%,100%和100%,有神经受累者分别占100%,61.29%和42.86%。治愈24例次,显效19例次,好转21例次,无效0例次,恶化8例次,有效率为59.72%。糖皮质激素治疗后25例次(34.72%)出现胃部不适,16例次出现满月脸多血质,7例次出现骨质疏松症样疼痛,但是均未影响治疗。结论麻风联合化疗患者麻风反应高发,神经受累相对较多,激素治疗麻风反应有一定的效果,但治疗方案仍有改进的空间。     

Changing epidemiological pattern of leprosy in rural Chhattisgarh

The study presents findings of a retrospective cohort analysis of 2972 new cases registered between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 2001 in the rural field practice area of RLTRI, Raipur. An analysis was carried out with the objective of describing the epidemiological pattern of leprosy in the preceding 15 years. The patients in the study were also followed up prospectively till December 2003 to record any development of relapse or reactions. Data collected were grouped into three time-blocks and analysed at five-yearly intervals. Epidemiological indicators in different periods were also compared. 2972 new cases were included in the analysis; of these, 15.6% were registered in time-block 1, 20.9% in time-block 2 and 63.5 % in time-block 3. The P/D ratio, which was 8.5 in 1986 declined to 6.6 in 1991, 1.3 in 1996 and 0.4 in 2001 after which it rose marginally to 0.8 in December 2002. The proportion of MB cases showed a rise of 15.3% in 1991, 25.1% in 1996 and 28.7% in 2001. The mean age at registration showed a significant decline during different time periods from 35.2 +/- 16.9 in time-block I to 28.9 +/- 15.9 in time-block 3. The proportion of grade II deformity was 3.2% in time-block 1; it rose to 6.3% in time-block 2 and 5.9% in time-block 3. The proportion of cases completing treatment was 28.2% and 17.6% for MB and PB groups respectively in time-block 1, rose to 69.9% and 77.0% in the 2nd, and 74.9% and 81.6% in the 3rd. The proportion of relapse also came down markedly in time-blocks 2 and 3. The median duration of treatment was 28.0 months in time-block 1, came down to 9.0 months in time-block 2 and 7.0 months in time-block 3 following the introduction of MDT. The proportion of child cases and reaction rates showed a rise in time-blocks 2 and 3.     

New case-detection trends in a multi-drug therapy programme: definite reduction in sight

MDT has made a visible impact on leprosy in Andhra Pradesh as reflected by reduction of prevalence as well as in new case-detection, which is used as a proxy for incidence of the disease. Such reductions have also been seen in West Godavari district and the Damien Leprosy Centre at Vegavaram (an NGO project), where MDT is being implemented since 1988.     

Persistence of Mycobacterium leprae in the peripheral nerve as compared to the skin of multidrug-treated leprosy patients.

Skin and nerve biopsies obtained from 18 multibacillary (MB) and 16 paucibacillary (PB) cases of leprosy who had been fully treated by the WHO regimen were assessed for bacterial load using different staining techniques. In addition skin and nerve homogenates of 10 MB cases were tested for 'persistor' Mycobacterium leprae using immunosuppressed mice. While significant amounts of integral bacilli and BCG cross-reactive antigen of M. leprae were detected both in skin and nerve tissues of all the MB cases (100%), 56% of skin and 62% of nerve biopsies of PB cases also showed the presence of BCG cross-reactive antigen. Detection of 'persistor' M. leprae in 2/10 skin biopsies (20%) and 3/10 nerve biopsies (30%) of MB cases was thought to be unexpectedly high after 2 years of MDT.