Leprosy disease and its reactions in the era of corona virus disease 2019

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious worldwide health problem that affects direct and indirect however, the implications of COVID-19 co-infection in patients with Hansen’s disease remain uncertain this study aimed to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and leprosy and its reactions.

Patients and methods

This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted on 200 patients presented with different clinical forms of leprosy, according to COVID-19 infection, they divided into two groups, group I=98 COVID-19 positive patients and group II=102 COVID-19 negative patients.

Results

Significant decrease in COVID-19 co-infection among lepromatous leprosy patients with a significant decrease in leprosy reactions. Significant increase in COVID-19 co-infection among tuberculoid patients with a significant increase in leprosy reactions and in number of lepra bacilli detected by slit skin smear among COVID-19 negative patients ( P <0.05). No significant difference between the two groups as regards the classification of leprosy, mode of infection of leprosy, and grade of disability ( P >0.05).

Conclusion

COVID-19 co-infection may enhance leprosy reactions.