Leprosy affected beggars as a hidden source for transmission of leprosy.

Background & Objectives: Despite the large scale implementation of multidrug therapy (MDT), the incidence rates of leprosy have not declined in several hyperendemic countries. Before searching for non-human reservoirs of leprosy it would be necessary to look for hidden human sources. This would include destitute leprosy affected persons who resort to begging and operate in congested areas.

Epidemiological significance of first skin lesion in leprosy.

The epidemiological significance of monolesions in leprosy and the possible inferences on the mode of entry by Mycobacterium leprae into the body are presented based on data from the clinical records of the Leprosy Control Programme of Gudiyatham Taluk in India; 660 children with monolesions (335 males, 305 females) younger than 15 years of age and detected during the period 1990-1995 were included in the study. Detailed investigations on the location of monolesions were carried out and compared with a random sample of 669 normal rural children matched for age and sex. A large majority of the leprosy monolesions were in the uncovered parts of the body, with special predilection for the posterior aspects of the upper extremities and the anterior aspects of the lower extremities.

Does MDT arrest transmission of leprosy to household contacts?

The multidrug therapy program with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended treatment (WHO/MDT) regimens has given the hope of early case detection and rendering a leprosy patient, especially a multibacillary (MB) patient, noninfectious within a short period of time. Hence, the duration of exposure for household contacts to infection is expected to be remarkably less when compared to exposure to MB leprosy patients on dapsone monotherapy. A total of 1661 household contacts of skin-smear-positive leprosy patients were recorded from 1984 to 1994.

A leprosy survey in a taluk headquarters town and the role of dermatological services and active health education in its success--a preliminary report.

A report of two general surveys done in 1984 and 1987 in Gudiyatham town, is presented. The first survey covered 89.2% and the second survey 82% of the population.