A clinical profile of leprosy patients in a tertiary hospital, Karnataka: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is a chronic mycobacterial infection and is still a major health hazard in India. Methods: This was a retrospective study over 12 years of all cases diagnosed clinically as leprosy in a tertiary hospital at Hassan district, Karnataka. Confirmation of diagnosis was based on slit skin smear and biopsy was done in doubtful cases. Results: Out of 214 patients, 152 were males and 62 were females. The prevalence was maximum in the age group 21-30 years. Borderline group formed the major part of the spectrum, consisting of 154 (71.96%) patients. Maximum patients 97 (45.3%) were of borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy, followed by 59 (27.57%) cases of borderline lepromatous leprosy (BL). 25 (11.68%) cases had tuberculoid leprosy (TT) and 20 (9.34%)cases were of lepromatous leprosy among which 3 were diagnosed as histoid leprosy. 6 patients had pure neuritic leprosy and 4 patients were in relapse. Conclusions: Even though leprosy is eliminated, it continues to be a public health problem in our country. Stricter surveillance for early diagnosis and treatment is needed to eradicate leprosy from India.