01383nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653003000055653001000085653002300095653001200118653003300130653003000163100001100193245007600204300001000280490000700290520086600297022001401163       2001                            d  c2001 Aug10aDrug Therapy, Combination10aJapan10aLeprostatic Agents10aleprosy10aPractice Guidelines as Topic10aWorld Health Organization1 aGoto M00a[Chemotherapy of leprosy: theoretical basis of new guideline in Japan].  a151-50 v703 a<p>For the effective treatment of leprosy, we should consider that (1) more time is needed for the elimination of bacilli than ordinary bacterial infection, (2) bactericidal therapy often induces host immunity called reactions, (3) rapid treatment is needed for the reactions. Last year, ad hoc committee of Japanese Leprosy Association recommends standard treatment protocol of leprosy in Japan, which is a modification of World Health Organization's multidrug therapy. For multibacillary(MB) with bacterial index (BI > or = 3) before treatment, 2 years treatment by rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine (MDT/MB) is necessary. When BI decrease is not satisfactory(BI value decrease < 2 steps, or final BI > or = 3) after 2 years, MDT/MB should be continued until BI negativity and loss of active lesions. Theoretical background of our proposal is described.</p>  a1342-3681