Background: Leprosy, an infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae continues to pose a significant public health challenge globally. Despite efforts towards its elimination, leprosy remains a re-emerging threat, with increasing cases in Nepal and India. Understanding the clinical, epidemiological, socioeconomic, and histological profiles of leprosy across the Nepal–India border is essential for effective disease management and control.
Methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted over three years at a tertiary care center in Nepal. The patients were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical, epidemiological, and socioeconomic data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the profiles of leprosy cases in the study population.
Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 33.54 years. The majority of the patients were Nepalese. The mean duration of the disease was 17.6 months, with a wide range observed. Borderline leprosy was the most common clinical presentation. Bacteriological positivity was observed in 85% of the cases, indicating active transmission of the disease within the community. A significant proportion of the patients (97%) belonged to the low to middle-class category. A reaction was seen in 14.5% of the patients.
Conclusion: Despite efforts toward its elimination, leprosy remains a public health problem across borders. The high burden of leprosy cases, coupled with socioeconomic challenges and active transmission, underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions. Addressing cross-border dynamics, enhancing access to healthcare services, and implementing comprehensive control strategies are essential for effectively controlling leprosy.
BT - Our Dermatol Online LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Background: Leprosy, an infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae continues to pose a significant public health challenge globally. Despite efforts towards its elimination, leprosy remains a re-emerging threat, with increasing cases in Nepal and India. Understanding the clinical, epidemiological, socioeconomic, and histological profiles of leprosy across the Nepal–India border is essential for effective disease management and control.
Methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted over three years at a tertiary care center in Nepal. The patients were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical, epidemiological, and socioeconomic data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the profiles of leprosy cases in the study population.
Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 33.54 years. The majority of the patients were Nepalese. The mean duration of the disease was 17.6 months, with a wide range observed. Borderline leprosy was the most common clinical presentation. Bacteriological positivity was observed in 85% of the cases, indicating active transmission of the disease within the community. A significant proportion of the patients (97%) belonged to the low to middle-class category. A reaction was seen in 14.5% of the patients.
Conclusion: Despite efforts toward its elimination, leprosy remains a public health problem across borders. The high burden of leprosy cases, coupled with socioeconomic challenges and active transmission, underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions. Addressing cross-border dynamics, enhancing access to healthcare services, and implementing comprehensive control strategies are essential for effectively controlling leprosy.
PY - 2024 SP - 238 EP - 241 T2 - Our Dermatol Online TI - Clinical and epidemiological panorama of leprosy at a tertiary center across the Nepal–India border in the post-elimination era: A cross-sectional study UR - http://www.odermatol.com/odermatology/20243/4.Clinical-PaudelV.pdf ER -