Background: Leprosy continues to pose a public health problem, especially in developing countries. Although the overall incidence of newly diagnosed cases have declined significantly, the rate of decline has been static. This static rate of decline, and an increasing number of persister cases and relapses, are thought to be brought about by increasing antibiotic resistance.
Objectives: To assess the efficacy of non-MDT therapeutic options used in managing adult patients diagnosed with paucibacillary leprosy.
Methods: We searched extensively for the terms PAUCIBACllLARY LEPROSY and (rifampicin or ofloxacin or minocycline or others or non· MDT or alternative). Two reviewers examined all retrieved trials independently for eligibility and quality. There were four studies included in the meta-analysis. The outcomes measured were the clinical improvement, relapse, lepra reactions and adverse events.
Results and Conclusion: Non-MDT treatment regimens for paucibaciUary leprosy provide a promising alternative to the WHO-recommended regimen to prevent further antibiotic resistance and poor compliance. However, careful surveillance and followup, especially for occurrence of relapses must be done.