@article{102074,
  keywords = {Multi-bacillary leprosy,  Pauci-bacillary leprosy, Elimination},
  author = {Mallick T and Choudhury K and Mullick S and Bhunia S and Kundu S and Banik A and Mondal A and Dey J and Bhattacharjee S},
  title = {Diagnostic limitations in leprosy elimination: A descriptive cross-sectional study  from a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kolkata, India},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background:</strong> Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a weakly acid-fast obligate intracellular bacillus which exhibits tropism for epidermal phagocytes and Schwann cells in peripheral nerves. The incidence and prevalence of leprosy cases have decreased both in India and world-wide since the advent of Multidrug therapy. The global plan for leprosy eradication includes early detection and treatment of leprosy cases so as to lessen stigma associated with leprosy.</p>

<p><strong>Aim and Objectives: </strong>This study aims to assess the clinico-demographic profile of leprosy cases attending a tertiary care teaching hospital of Kolkata, India.</p>

<p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> We included 112 slit skin smear positive leprosy cases and studied their clinico-demographic profile.</p>

<p><strong>Result and Analysis: </strong>Out of 383 suspected cases attending the Department of Dermatology, 329 patients were sent for slit skin smear examination, of which 112 were found to be smear positive. All cases (100%) were multi-bacillary leprosy, 76% were in the age group 21-50 yrs, 22% in the age group above 50 yrs and 2% below 20 years. There was male preponderance (2.1:1). The leprosy cases mosly were resident of Murshidabad (22%) and North-24-Parganas (20%) districts of West Bengal.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights that actual number of confirmed leprosy cases are more than diagnosed cases. More sensitive tests are required to detect pauci-bacillary cases. Public awareness and active surveillance are needed to detect both new and contact cases. Social stigma associated with leprosy can be minimized by recruiting more female health care workers.</p>
},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {IP International Journal of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Diseases},
  volume = {11},
  pages = {8},
  publisher = {IP Innovative Publication Pvt Ltd},
  issn = {2581-4753, 2581-4761},
  url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kabita-Choudhury/publication/390194494_Diagnostic_limitations_in_leprosy_elimination_A_descriptive_cross-sectional_study_from_a_tertiary_care_teaching_hospital_of_Kolkata_India/links/67e44930f966c17052a5a520/Diagnostic},
  language = {ENG},
}