Chemotherapy of leprosy.

The WHO MDT regimens have proved highly successful in preventing relapse of leprosy cases. It has indirectly lad to marked reduction in prevalence of disabilities. For PB leprosy, rifampicin 600 mg monthly and 100 mg dapsone daily for a total of 6 months therapy is required. For MB leprosy clofazimine 300 mg once monthly, supervised and 50 mg daily self administered is added. For single skin lesion the current WHO recommendation is 600 mg rifampicin + 400 mg ofloxacin + 100 mg minocycline given as a single dose for adults. Dose adjustment for children and clinical information have been discussed in a nutshell. A number of trials are going on, some are yet to be completed which do offer the prospect of perhaps simplifying therapy and improving with shorter duration.