Background:
Leprosy (Hansen's disease) remains an important infectious disease in developing countries despite the widespread availability of multidrug therapy (MDT). Delayed diagnosis frequently results in peripheral nerve damage, deformities, and permanent disabilities. This case series highlights the varied clinicobacteriological manifestations of leprosy encountered at a tertiary care center and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and bacteriological confirmation.
Methods:
A descriptive case series comprising 18 patients diagnosed with leprosy at a tertiary care hospital of Northern India was conducted. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, distribution of skin lesions, bacteriological index (BI), slit-skin smear findings, and WHO classification were analyzed. Slit-skin smears were performed using the Modified Ziehl– Neelsen staining technique, and patients were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Results:
A total of 18 patients with leprosy were included in this case series. The majority belonged to the 21–40 years age group (44.4%), with a male predominance (66.7%). The most common presenting manifestations were hypopigmented skin lesions, sensory impairment, and thickened peripheral nerves. One patient presented with extensive peripheral neuropathy associated with trophic ulceration of the foot, healed digital ulcers, and claw hand deformity, representing advanced multibacillary disease with significant disability. Another patient demonstrated positive slit-skin smears from multiple anatomical sites with a bacteriological index (BI) of 2+, confirming multibacillary leprosy. Overall, 72.2% of the patients were classified as multibacillary leprosy according to the WHO classification.
Conclusion:
Leprosy continues to exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical and bacteriological manifestations. Early recognition of characteristic skin lesions, meticulous neurological examination, and slit-skin smear confirmation remain essential for timely diagnosis and appropriate multidrug therapy. Prompt treatment and regular follow-up are crucial to prevent irreversible nerve damage, disability, and continued disease transmission
BT - International Journal of Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharma Research DA - 09/2026 DO - 10.69605/ijlbpr_15.9.2026.3 IS - 9 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Background:
Leprosy (Hansen's disease) remains an important infectious disease in developing countries despite the widespread availability of multidrug therapy (MDT). Delayed diagnosis frequently results in peripheral nerve damage, deformities, and permanent disabilities. This case series highlights the varied clinicobacteriological manifestations of leprosy encountered at a tertiary care center and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and bacteriological confirmation.
Methods:
A descriptive case series comprising 18 patients diagnosed with leprosy at a tertiary care hospital of Northern India was conducted. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, distribution of skin lesions, bacteriological index (BI), slit-skin smear findings, and WHO classification were analyzed. Slit-skin smears were performed using the Modified Ziehl– Neelsen staining technique, and patients were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Results:
A total of 18 patients with leprosy were included in this case series. The majority belonged to the 21–40 years age group (44.4%), with a male predominance (66.7%). The most common presenting manifestations were hypopigmented skin lesions, sensory impairment, and thickened peripheral nerves. One patient presented with extensive peripheral neuropathy associated with trophic ulceration of the foot, healed digital ulcers, and claw hand deformity, representing advanced multibacillary disease with significant disability. Another patient demonstrated positive slit-skin smears from multiple anatomical sites with a bacteriological index (BI) of 2+, confirming multibacillary leprosy. Overall, 72.2% of the patients were classified as multibacillary leprosy according to the WHO classification.
Conclusion:
Leprosy continues to exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical and bacteriological manifestations. Early recognition of characteristic skin lesions, meticulous neurological examination, and slit-skin smear confirmation remain essential for timely diagnosis and appropriate multidrug therapy. Prompt treatment and regular follow-up are crucial to prevent irreversible nerve damage, disability, and continued disease transmission
PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 7 T2 - International Journal of Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharma Research TI - Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Leprosy: A Case Series of 18 Patients From A Tertiary Care Hospital UR - https://ijlbpr.com/uploadfiles/3vol15issue9pp15-21.20260902065813.pdf VL - 15 SN - 2250-3137 ER -