Incidence and clinical spectrum of leprosy in a tertiary care centre in Jharkhand: A retrospective study

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and has been known since biblical times. It is still endemic in many regions of the world and as a result a major public health problem. The mechanism of transmission of leprosy consists of prolonged close contact between susceptible and genetically predisposed individuals and untreated multibacillary patients. Objective: Aim and objective of this study is to assess the occurrence , types and complications of Hansen’s disease in our institute. Materials and methods: Retrospective study was conducted from June 2017-January 2020 to assess the total number of Leprosy cases presenting to our OPD, Department of Dermatology,Venereology and Leprosy, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Also the type and complications of the disease were noted. Results: Total number of new cases presented during the study period were 1067. Out of which 59.04% were males and 40.57% were females. Multibacillary leprosy was much more common than paucibacillary leprosy. Most common type according to Ridley Jopling was Borderline Borderline type. The most common nerve involved was Ulnar nerve. Conclusion: This study highlights that the incidence and complications of leprosy still continues to be a big public health problem and its early diagnosis is necessary to limit the disabilities