Epidemiological Profile of Leprosy Patients Attending in A Tertiary Care Centre in Post Leprosy Elimination Era

Background: Leprosy, a disabling infectious disease, is a major public health problem in some regions, requiring knowledge of its epidemiological variations so that strategies for case detection and disease control can be subsidized. Objectives: This study aims to study epidemiological profile of leprosy patients attending Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. Materials & Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of 111 diagnosed leprosy cases between January to December 2015 were analysed at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, DR.S.C.G.M.C. vishnupuri Nanded, India. Results: Maximum no. 62(55.85%) of leprosy patients are in the age group of 16-35 yrs. Most 76(68.46%) of patients were male followed by female. Least no. 9(8.10%) of patients are in <15 yrs of age. Most of leprosy patients are from rural area i.e. 91(81.98%) than urban area i.e. 20(18.01). Most common i.e. 71(63.96%) type of leprosy is multibacillary leprosy which is followed by paucibacillary type i.e. 40(36.03%). Deformities are present in 9(8.10%) leprosy patients out of which claw hand 5(4.50) is the most common deformity. Conclusion: The results of this study point to a high circulation of lepra bacilli in the community in the “elimination era” and also highlight the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment at the field level to prevent spread of bacilli and development of disabilities. By early detection and increasing the duration of therapy and increasing community awareness utilising Informatoin, Education and Communication (IEC) at all levels, we can hope to achieve the dream of leprosy free India.