Post-elimination scenario of leprosy in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a disabling condition, with widespread prevalence. It continues to be a major public health problem despite efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental agencies to curb its spread. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with leprosy attending a tertiary care institute in southern India, spanning a period from 2005 to 2020.

Methods: Medical records of patients with leprosy were analysed retrospectively, over a period ranging from 2005 to 2020. This study was undertaken at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, India. Data were obtained using a specific questionnaire and entered into the database system.

Results: A total of 520 newly diagnosed cases were seen during the study period. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy was the commonest clinical type. Smear positivity was low, despite multibacillary cases being higher in number. The occurrence of visible deformities and lepra reactions which contribute to the morbidity, continue to be a cause for concern.

Conclusion: This study revealed that even in the postelimination era, the presence of active transmission in the community continues to occur. Hence, more stringent and focused health education and diagnostic methods are the need of the hour