Leprosy in Post Elimination Period: An Experience in a Single Tertiary Care Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction:  Leprosy elimination was declared by Government of Nepal almost a decade back.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profiles of leprosy patients in post elimination period

Material and Methods: Analysis of medical records of all clinically diagnosed and newly registered cases of leprosy attending Dermatology outpatient department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal from 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018 was done.

Results: Hospital based prevalence of Leprosy was found to be 0.24%, with males outnumbering females (63.6% vs 36.4%).The most common age group affected was 45-59 years  with hypo-aesthetic patches/plaques  and erythematous anaesthetic /hypoaesthetic patches (36.4% each) being  the most common presentation. Overall, borderline leprosy was the most common diagnosis (borderline tuberculoid ,29.5% , borderline borderline, 6.8%, borderline lepromatous,11.36%).  Slit skin smear positivity was found in  50% of cases.

Conclusion: Leprosy still remains a challenge for clinicians in Nepal though elimination has been achieved. A constant evaluation, monitoring and case detection should be still pursued with health education in order to make timely diagnosis and prevent deformities.