Integrating Community Engagement in Zero Leprosy Efforts: A Pathway to Sustainable Early Detection, Control and Elimination.

Community engagement has emerged as a critical component in the effective control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly in regions with persistent stigma and limited healthcare access. Drawing on case studies from Brazil, India, and Nigeria, this opinion piece explores how community-driven initiatives have successfully improved leprosy awareness, reduced stigma, and fostered early case detection and treatment adherence. The importance of culturally sensitive, inclusive approaches in health education and stigma reduction campaigns is highlighted, emphasizing the potential for community engagement to enhance national leprosy programs and contribute to the World Health Organization's Zero Leprosy Strategy.

The potential role of artificial intelligence in the clinical management of Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Missed and delayed diagnoses of Hansen's disease (HD) are making the battle against it even more complex, increasing its transmission and significantly impacting those affected and their families. This strains public health systems and raises the risk of lifelong impairments and disabilities. Worryingly, the three countries most affected by HD witnessed a growth in new cases in 2022, jeopardizing the World Health Organization's targets to interrupt transmission.

Clinical and radiological evaluation of maxillofacial and otorhinolaryngological manifestations of Hansen's disease.

To characterize maxillofacial, otorhinolaryngological and oral manifestations of Hansen's disease (HD), we conducted a cross-sectional study in 21 current patients attending the Unidade Básica de Saúde de Jardim América, Espírito Santo, Brazil and 16 former patients resident at Pedro Fontes Hospital using data from computed tomography imaging, rhinoscopy, and oroscopy. Maxillofacial characteristics were compared with 37 controls. Differences in bone alterations across the three groups were determined mainly by severe resorption/atrophy being more frequent in former HD patients, with severe resorption/atrophy of the anterior alveolar process of maxilla in 50.

Hansen's disease and COVID-19 co-infection in Brazil.

Background: The implications of COVID-19 co-infection in patients under treatment for Hansen's disease (HD, leprosy) remain uncertain. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in patients with HD and COVID-19 in Brazil.

Methods: Cross-sectional study recruiting adult HD patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 from five HD treatment centers in Brazil between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

The influence of leprosy-related clinical and epidemiological variables in the occurrence and severity of COVID-19: A prospective real-world cohort study.

Background: Protective effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and clofazimine and dapsone treatment against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported. Patients at risk for leprosy represent an interesting model for assessing the effects of these therapies on the occurrence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed the influence of leprosy-related variables in the occurrence and severity of COVID-19.

Sinus computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19.

Objective: To analyze computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses of a series of patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and correlate the findings with the disease.

Methods: Computed tomography scans of 95 adult patients who underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained from patients' records and telephone calls.

Assessing signs of torture: A review of clinical forensic dermatology.

Background: It is important for dermatologists and other physicians in refugee-receiving countries to acquire knowledge of forensic dermatology to identify lesions from torture.

Objective: Review forensic dermatology in cases of torture.

Results: In provision of medical assessment and care to refugees and migrants, chronic skin lesions will be the most readily identifiable signs of torture.

Leprosy in skulls from the Paris Catacombs.

The Paris Catacombs contain the remains of approximately 6 million people dating back to the 15th century, when leprosy was endemic in France. The aim of this palaeopathological study was to identify the presence of leprosy in skulls from the Paris Catacombs. Macroscopic examination of skulls for bone changes secondary to oronasal soft tissue infection by leprosy.

Case Report: Nasal Myiasis in an Elderly Patient with Atrophic Rhinitis and Facial Sequelae of Leprosy.

We describe a case of nasal myiasis in an 89-year-old Brazilian patient affected by leprosy with severe nasal sequelae. An initial treatment comprising sinusectomy combined with nasal endoscopy removed more than 300 larvae, supplemented by systemic treatment using oral and topical ivermectin and levofloxacin. Infestation recurred after 2 months, was treated similarly, and resolved completely.

PGL-1 and LID-1 antibody levels in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals in a Hansen's disease (leprosy) endemic area of Brazil.

Serological tests for subclinical Mycobacterium leprae infection based on antibodies to phenolic glycolipid-1 (PGL-1) and leprosy IDRI diagnostic-1 (LID-1) have not been compared in HIV-infected and uninfected individuals. PGL-1 seropositivity by ELISA was 6.0 % (21/350) in HIV-infected compared with 29.

Armadillos and leprosy: from infection to biological model.

Mycobacterium leprae is the primary causative agent of Hansen's disease or leprosy. Besides human beings, natural infection has been described in animals such as mangabey monkeys and armadillos. Leprosy is considered a global health problem and its complete pathogenesis is still unknown.

Case Study of Onychomycosis Patients Treated with 1,064-nm Nd:YAG Laser.

Onychomycosis is the most frequent nail disease, with an estimated prevalence of 2-8%. Current treatment strategies include the use of oral and topical antifungals, despite low cure rates following these treatments. The objectives of this study were to assess the therapeutic response of patients with onychomycosis to 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser treatment, the clinical evaluation method available for this therapy, and the possible side effects of this treatment.

Dental and oral condition in leprosy patients from Serra, Brazil.

Objectives: To describe dental and periodontal diseases and oral lesions in newly diagnosed leprosy patients.

Design: Cohort study with 99 leprosy patients carried out at the Leprosy Control Programme Outpatient Clinic, Serra-ES, Brazil. A questionnaire about demographic and clinical data was used.

Leprosy occurring as immune reconstitution syndrome.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) may occur in HIV-infected patients after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Since 2003, 19 cases were published as IRIS. Leprosy has been reported as an example of an IRIS, and it is important that this syndrome should be recognized in leprosy-endemic areas.

Immune reconstitution syndrome associated with leprosy: two cases.

Few cases of leprosy as immune reconstitution syndrome have been reported in patients with HIV/AIDS. Two cases of leprosy as immune reconstitution syndrome in AIDS persons are described, and clinical features, diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis are discussed.

Research regarding anti-PGL-I antibodies by ELISA in wild armadillos from Brazil.

Armadillos have been involved in leprosy transmission and are considered a source of Mycobacterium leprae in numerous reports. Clinicians from certain areas of the USA consider contact with armadillos a risk factor for leprosy. However, there is a challenge associated with the role of wild armadillos perpetuating human leprosy in the American Continent.

Adverse effects from multi-drug therapy in leprosy: a Brazilian study.

Introduction: The WHO MDT for leprosy treatment was officially introduced in Brazil in 1991 and comprises three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. There are few good studies on the frequency of side-effects attributable to MDT in Brazil.

Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study carried out in a LCP in Vitória, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil.

Detection of Mycobacterium leprae infection in wild nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) using the rapid ML Flow test.

Mycobaterium leprae infection was investigated in armadillos from the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The ML Flow test was performed on 37 nine-banded armadillos and positive results were found in 11 (29.7%).

[Record of Dasypus novemcinctus (Mammalia: Xenarthra) parasited by Tunga terasma (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in Alegre, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil].

During a survey of Mycobacterium leprae in wild armadillos in the State of Espírito Santo, thirty-four armadillos were captured in the municipality of Alegre (20 degrees 45'S, 41 degrees 29'W, 150m). The armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus were examined by clinical and macroscopic examination. In four armadillos (11.

Delay in the diagnosis of leprosy in the Metropolitan Region of Vitória, Brazil.

This paper reports on the time between the onset of the first lesion and diagnosis, defined as delay, and is based on results obtained by interviewers from a survey carried out amongst 450 leprosy patients in a leprosy endemic area in the Metropolitan Region of Vitória (MRV), state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. The mean age at diagnosis in all cases was 41.47 years and the median was 42.

Characteristics of known leprosy contact in a high endemic area in Brazil.

Background And Purpose: The annual number of new cases of leprosy has not declined in Brazil over the last 15 years, indicating that transmission continues at the same level. To study transmission, we interviewed leprosy patients about their known leprosy contact (KLC).

Methods: Clinical and demographic data were collected from 506 leprosy patients in four health units in the Metropolitan Region of Vitŕia, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

False positive reaction of the immunohistochemistry technique using anti-BCG polyclonal antibodies to identify Mycobacterium leprae in wild nine-banded armadillos.

The authors studied 66 wild nine-banded armadillos from Brazil. The ear samples were collected and Ziehl-Neelsen or Fite-Faraco stains were performed, as well as immunostaining using polyclonal BCG antibody, to avaluate the presence of the Mycobacterium leprae. The AFB were not detected by the Ziehl-Neelsen or Fite-Faraco staining, neither immunoexpression of the BCG marker.