@article{95269,
  author = {Arunraghav P and Herakal K},
  title = {Leprosy in elderly and children among new cases – A 3-year retrospective study},
  abstract = {Background: Leprosy occurs in all age groups, with adults constituting the majority. However, leprosy in children always drew the attention of epidemiologists as a guide to transmission of leprosy. With increasing life expectancy and decreasing prevalence of leprosy, there is going to be a significant rise of leprosy among elderly in India. In elderly leprosy patients, clinical signs are often quiet, which makes it a hidden source of infection. The detection of leprosy in elderly is of epidemiological importance, hence it is critical that due attention be given to leprosy in elderly as a possible contributor to hidden leprosy in India. Aim: To analyze leprosy in elderly and in children from the records of new patients seen over the past 3-year period. Methods: Analysis of details of “leprosy in elderly” and “leprosy in children'” from the records of new leprosy patients seen at a dermatology OPD of a teaching hospital over a period of 3 years. Results: Out of 157 patients, 34 (21.6%) were above 45 years, while 18 (11.4%) were below 15 years, the difference being statistically significant (P > 0.05). Bacteriological Index (BI) values in elderly were higher compared to children. In addition, elderly had a higher percentage of multibacillary (MB) leprosy compared to children both clinically (35% vs 22%) and histopathologically (38% vs 22%). Conclusion: Leprosy in elderly is an important entity, and there is a need to study it as a distinct group. It will provide information on hidden leprosy load and apprise us on sources of infection in the community.},
  year = {2021},
  journal = {Indian Dermatology Online Journal},
  volume = {12},
  pages = {294-297},
  url = {https://www.idoj.in/article.asp?issn=2229-5178;year=2021;volume=12;issue=2;spage=294;epage=297;aulast=Arunraghav},
  doi = {10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_177_18},
  language = {eng},
}