Factors associated with delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in the Northeastern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study of 120 individuals with leprosy. Demographic and clinical data and information on the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy were obtained. Delayed diagnosis in months was estimated for each participant by interviews. A multivariate Poisson's regression analysis was performed between the outcome and the independent variables. The median delay in the diagnosis of leprosy was 10.5 (4.0-24.0) months. Approximately 12.6% of participants had grade 2 disability (G2D) at the time of diagnosis. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, males, older age, low schooling level, residing in urban areas, multibacellar or tuberculoid leprosy, not seeking healthcare immediately after symptom onset, suspected leprosy, excessive referrals, and the need for three or more consultations to confirm the diagnosis were associated with longer diagnostic delay. This study found a significant delay in the diagnosis of leprosy in Arapiraca, Northeastern Brazil, which may explain the continuously high rate of G2D among new cases. Factors related to the individual and the health system were associated with longer diagnostic delay. Interventions to raise awareness of the disease among the general population and strengthen primary health care are urgently needed.

Challenges Experienced and Observed during the Implementation of Leprosy Strategies, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: An inductive thematic analysis of qualitative study among health professionals who working with leprosy programs.

BACKGROUND: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are crucial for preventing the disease's spread as well as for avoiding negative medical and social effects and reducing the disease's burden. The likelihood of nerve damage and subsequent disability rises as the length of the diagnostic delay. We aimed to explore the challenges of health professionals faced regarding their involvement in early leprosy case detection strategies. METHODS: The study employed a qualitative, descriptive and phenomenological explorative research design to answer the research questions. By the use of non-probability purposive sampling, research participants were identified. During the study, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather information regarding the experiences of health workers (medical doctors, public health officers, clinical nurses, health centre heads and regional and Woreda district health office technical and programme experts) and health extension workers. To analyse the qualitative data, inductive thematic analysis techniques were used. For analysis, open code software version 4.0 was used. The data transcription, coding, display, reduction (theme) and interpretation of the discovered results were the processes undertaken for the analysis. RESULT: The findings of the study revealed that leprosy prevention and control programmes are still problematic. Themes that emerged from the data gleaned from the health workers included: lack of the existence of practice-oriented training, Integration of TB and leprosy training, lack of focus or other competing health priorities, Inadequate supportive supervision of health facilities, Multiple tasks for health workers, poor coordination and communications, lack of motivation in health workers, disruption in treatment, and Importance of training related to leprosy. CONCLUSION: Strengthening comprehensive leprosy training for health workers, carrying out efficient and thorough contact tracing, enhancing monitoring, supervision, assessment and surveillance, boosting managerial skills, lobbying political commitment, and motivating healthcare workers may help in early detection of leprosy cases strategies.

Leprosy with type 1 reaction in a patient from Ontario, Canada without recent travel misdiagnosed as vasculitic neuropathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is rare within non-endemic countries such as Canada, where cases are almost exclusively imported from endemic regions, often presenting after an incubation period of as many as 20 years. Due to its rarity and prolonged incubation period, diagnosis is often delayed, which may result in neurologic impairment prior to the initiation of treatment. In this report we describe a case that is novel in its incubation period, which is the longest reported to-date and may have contributed to diagnostic delay. The case also uniquely demonstrates the challenges of distinguishing leprosy reactions from new rheumatologic manifestations in a patient with established autoimmune disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe an 84-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, with no travel history outside Canada for 56 years, who presented in 2019 with new-onset paresthesias and rash. His paresthesias persisted despite a short course of prednisone, and his rash recurred after initial improvement. He underwent skin biopsy in May 2021, which eventually led to the diagnosis of leprosy. He was diagnosed with type 1 reaction and was started on rifampin, dapsone, clofazimine and prednisone, with which his rash resolved but his neurologic impairment remained. CONCLUSION: This case report serves to highlight the potential for leprosy to present after markedly prolonged incubation periods. This is especially relevant in non-endemic countries that is home to an aging demographic of individuals who migrated decades ago from endemic countries. The importance of this concept is emphasized by the persistent neurologic impairment suffered by our case due to untreated type 1 reaction. We also demonstrate the necessity of skin biopsy in distinguishing this diagnosis from other autoimmune mimics in a patient with known autoimmune disease.

Characteristics of children with leprosy: Factors associated with delay in disease diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to characterize the clinical profile of childhood leprosy presenting at tertiary leprosy care hospitals in the states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh in India, and to determine the possible risk factors associated with disabilities at presentation. METHODS: Subjects were children with newly diagnosed leprosy registered for treatment at tertiary Leprosy Mission Hospitals in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Purulia (West Bengal) and Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh), India, between June and December 2019. Demographic and leprosy characteristics were collected at the time of diagnosis. Parents/guardians were interviewed on reasons for delay in presenting at the hospital. Associations between various factors and delay in diagnosis were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 84 children, the mean (SD) age was 10 (3) years with a range of 4-14 years. There were more boys (58%) and most children were currently in school (93%), resident in rural areas (90%) and belonged to a lower socioeconomic status (68%). More children were diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy (69%), one-third of them being skin smear positive for Mycobacterium leprae. On presentation, 17% had deformity (5% grade 1 deformity and 12% grade 2), 29% had nerve involvement and skin lesions were spread across the body in half of the children. Mean (SD) duration of delay was 10.5 (9.8) months. Delayed presentation was more in boys (43% vs. 17%; P = 0.01), those without a history of migration for work compared to those who had a history of migration (40% vs. 9%; P = 0.008) and in those children who were from a poor economic status compared with those that came from a better economic status (44% vs. 7%; P = 0.001) Limitations: Because our study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals, the findings are not representative of the situation in the field. Furthermore, a comparison group of newly diagnosed adult leprosy patients with disability could have been included in the study. CONCLUSION: Childhood leprosy continues to occur in endemic pockets in India and a substantial number present with skin smear positivity and deformity. Guardians of these children cite many reasons for the delay in presentation.

Lepra lepromatosa nodular de diagnóstico tardío procedente de la Amazonía peruana, con el desarrollo de una reacción tipo 2 / Late diagnosis nodular lepromatous leprosy from the Peruvian Amazon, with development of a type 2 reaction

Resumen La lepra o enfermedad de Hansen es una de las clásicas enfermedades olvidadas que aún persiste en Perú. La infección es ocasionada por Mycobacterium leprae. La enfermedad varía en un amplio rango de manifestaciones desde la lepra tuberculoide (paucibacilar) hasta la lepromatosa (multibacilar). Se presenta el caso de un varón de 55 años, agricultor y extractor de madera, procedente de la Amazonia peruana, con lesiones cutáneas antiguas infiltrantes en la cara, cuello, tórax, abdomen y extremidades. La baciloscopia y estudio histológico de una biopsia de piel confirmaron la presencia de bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes. Se concluyó, en forma tardía, que fue un caso de lepra lepromatosa nodular. Recibió terapia con rifampicina, dapsona y clofamizina por dos años con una lenta mejoría; no obstante, cursó con un eritema nodoso leproso (reacción tipo 2) con buena respuesta a corticoesteroides y talidomida.

Abstract Leprosy or Hansen's disease is one of the classic neglected diseases that still persists in Peru. The infection is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease varies in a wide range of manifestations from tuberculoid (paucibacillary) to lepromatous (multibacillary) leprosy. We present the case of a 55-year-old man, farmer and wood extractor, from the Peruvian Amazon with old infiltrating cutaneous lesions on the face, neck, thorax, abdomen and extremities. The smear and biopsy examinations confirm the presence of acid-alcohol-resistant bacilli compatible with leprosy. It is concluded, with a long delay, it was a case of nodular lepromatous leprosy. He received therapy with rifampicin, dapsone and clofamizine for two years with slow progressive improvement; however, he presented an erythema nodosum leprosum (type 2 reaction) with response to corticosteroids and thalidomide.

Individual and community factors determining delayed leprosy case detection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The number of new leprosy cases is declining globally, but the disability caused by leprosy remains an important disease burden. The chance of disability is increased by delayed case detection. This review focusses on the individual and community determinants of delayed leprosy case detection. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020189274). To identify determinants of delayed detection, data was collected from five electronic databases: Embase.com, Medline All Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the WHO Global Health Library. RESULTS: We included 27 papers from 4315 records assessed. They originated in twelve countries, had been published between January 1, 2000, and January 31, 2021, and described the factors related to delayed leprosy case detection, the duration of the delayed case, and the percentage of Grade 2 Disability (G2D). The median delay in detection ranged from 12 to 36 months, the mean delay ranged from 11.5 to 64.1 months, and the percentage of G2D ranged from 5.6 to 43.2%. Health-service-seeking behavior was the most common factor associated with delayed detection. The most common individual factors were older age, being male, having a lower disease-symptom perception, having multibacillary leprosy, and lack of knowledge. The most common socioeconomic factors were living in a rural area, performing agricultural labor, and being unemployed. Stigma was the most common social and community factor. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed leprosy case detection is clearly correlated with increased disability and should therefore be a priority of leprosy programs. Interventions should focus on determinants of delayed case detection such as health-service-seeking behavior, and should consider relevant individual, socioeconomic, and community factors, including stigmatization. Further study is required of the health service-related factors contributing to delay.

Retraso en el diagnóstico como factor pronóstico de discapacidad en pacientes con lepra en Paraguay: estudio de casos y controles / Delay in diagnosis as a prognostic factor for disability in patients with leprosy in Paraguay: case and control study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La lepra, una infección crónica, es una de las mayores causas de discapacidad prevenible. El inicio temprano del tratamiento previene el desarrollo de discapacidad. OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores pronóstico de discapacidad en individuos con lepra multibacilar y paucibacilar que culminaron el tratamiento farmacológico entre el 2011 y 2017 en Paraguay. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, con 34 pacientes, 9 casos, 25 controles. Los casos fueron pacientes con discapacidad Grado 1 que presentaban falta de sensibilidad en miembros inferiores o superiores, y los de Grado 2, lagoftalmos, rigidez, ulceraciones, garra pasiva, garra activa. Los controles no presentaron discapacidad. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue 53 ± 15,2 años, el 55,9% fue de sexo masculino y 58,9% tenía educación primaria o no tenía educación formal. El 58,8% de los pacientes presentó lepra multibacilar; y el 64,7% fue diagnosticado tras consultar con dos o más médicos. Retraso en el diagnóstico mayor a un año fue significativamente (p = 0,047) mayor en los casos que en los controles (77,8 vs 12%; OR: 7,44; IC95%: 1,02-67,86). CONCLUSIÓN: El retraso en el diagnóstico mayor a un año es un factor pronóstico de discapacidad.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, is one of the major causes of preventable disability. Early treatment prevents neurological damage and disability. AIM: To identify prognostic factors of disability in individuals with multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy who completed a drug treatment between 2011 and 2017 in Paraguay. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out on 34 patients, of them 9 were cases and 25 controls. Cases were those patients with Grade 1, presented lack of sensation in lower or upper limbs, and those of Grade 2 lagophthalmos, rigidity, visible deformity ulcerations, passive claw, active claw. Controls had no disabilities. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 53 ± 15.2 years, 55.9% were male, and 58.9% had primary education or no formal education. Multibacillary leprosy was found in 58.8% of patients; and 64.7% were diagnosed after consulting with two or more physicians. Diagnosis delay of more than one year was significantly (p = 0.047) greater in the cases than in the controls (77.8% vs 12%; OR: 7.44; 95% CI: 1.02-67.86). CONCLUSION: In this study, a diagnosis delay of more than one year is a prognostic factor for disability.

Trend of epidemiological indicators of leprosy in an endemic state of the Amazon region.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the temporal trend of epidemiological indicators of leprosy in the State of Amapá. METHOD: Time series study, carried out in the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The indicators analyzed were: annual detection rate of new cases, detection rate of new cases in the population from 0 to 14 years old, rate of new cases with grade 2 of disability, proportion of new cases with grade 2 and proportion of new multibacillary cases, between 2005 and 2018. The analysis of the temporal evolution was made by linear regression. RESULTS: The detection rate of new cases and the rate of children under 15 years showed a decreasing trend. The rate of new cases with grade 2 of disability and the proportion of cases with grade 2 showed oscillation. The proportions of multibacillary remained constant. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological indicators analyzed suggest active transmission and late diagnosis, signaling a possible hidden endemic disease.

Therapeutic itinerary of people with leprosy: paths, struggles, and challenges in the search for care.

OBJECTIVES: to understand how the therapeutic itineraries of people affected by leprosy are processed. METHODS: this is a descriptive, qualitative study, conducted in April 2018 in Barão de Grajaú in Maranhão, with interviews in the form of narratives of seven patients who had a late leprosy diagnosis. RESULTS: the search for diagnosis is a major difficulty in accessing health services, resulting in a late diagnosis and, consequently, with the presence of visible deformities. It was noticed that the health units do not have a flow, nor protocols for comprehensive treatment, and these people are referred to a referral unit in another state to perform sputum smear microscopy. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: leprosy control actions need reformulations that seek the relationship between operational activities, epidemiological indicators and risk factors, in accordance with the real needs of each region, thus highlighting the gaps evidenced in the therapeutic itineraries.

[Late diagnosis nodular lepromatous leprosy from the Peruvian Amazon, with development of a type 2 reaction]. / Lepra lepromatosa nodular de diagnóstico tardío procedente de la Amazonía peruana, con el desarrollo de una reacción tipo 2.

Leprosy or Hansen's disease is one of the classic neglected diseases that still persists in Peru. The infection is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease varies in a wide range of manifestations from tuberculoid (paucibacillary) to lepromatous (multibacillary) leprosy. We present the case of a 55-year-old man, farmer and wood extractor, from the Peruvian Amazon with old infiltrating cutaneous lesions on the face, neck, thorax, abdomen and extremities. The smear and biopsy examinations confirm the presence of acid-alcohol-resistant bacilli compatible with leprosy. It is concluded, with a long delay, it was a case of nodular lepromatous leprosy. He received therapy with rifampicin, dapsone and clofamizine for two years with slow progressive improvement; however, he presented an erythema nodosum leprosum (type 2 reaction) with response to corticosteroids and thalidomide.

O diagnóstico tardio na perspectiva do itinerário terapêutico: grau 2 de incapacidade física na hanseníase / El diagnóstico tardío desde la perspectiva del itinerario terapéutico: grado 2 de discapacidad física en la enfermedad de Hansen / Late diagnosis under the perspective of therapeutic itineraries: level 2 physical disabilities in Hansen's disease

Destacam-se casos novos de hanseníase com grau de incapacidade física 2 (GIF 2) que demonstram a ineficiente detecção oportuna. O artigo é um relato de casos e propõe analisar o diagnóstico tardio sob a perspectiva do itinerário terapêutico (IT), com base em um estudo qualitativo. O cenário foram dois municípios da Região Metropolitana da Baixada Santista: Praia Grande e São Vicente. Realizou-se análise documental e entrevista em profundidade com quatro participantes. O material foi submetido à análise de conteúdo e definiram-se as categorias temáticas: cuidado em saúde; corpo na hanseníase; incapacidades na hanseníase; e diagnóstico tardio. Revelaram-se intrincados itinerários terapêuticos, marcados pela fragilidade do cuidado com erro e atraso no diagnóstico, que potencializaram os riscos individuais e coletivos e impactaram negativamente o cotidiano dos sujeitos. (AU)

Se subrayan casos nuevos de enfermedad de Hansen (lepra) con grado de discapacidad física 2 (GIF 2), que demuestran la ineficiente detección oportuna. El artículo es un relato de casos y propone analizar el diagnóstico tardío bajo la perspectiva del itinerario terapéutico (IT), con base en un estudio cualitativo. El escenario fueron dos municipios de la Región Metropolitana de la Baixada Santista: Praia Grande y São Vicente. Se realizó el análisis documental y entrevista en profundidad con cuatro participantes. El material se sometió a análisis de contenido y se definieron las categorías temáticas: cuidado de salud, cuerpo en la enfermedad de Hansen; discapacidades en la enfermedad de Hansen y diagnóstico tardío. Se revelaron intricados itinerarios terapéuticos, señalados por la fragilidad del cuidado, con error y atraso en el diagnóstico, que potencializaron los riesgos individuales y colectivos e impactaron negativamente el cotidiano de los sujetos. (AU)

There are remarkable numbers of new leprosy cases with 2 (GIF 2) degree of physical disability, demonstrating the inefficient timely detection. This article presents case reports, based on a qualitative study, regarding four patients with Hansen's disease and a GIF 2 level at the time of diagnosis, analyzing the late diagnosis from the perspective of therapeutic itineraries (TI). The cases came from two municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Baixada Santista: Praia Grande and São Vicente. Three men and one woman participated, between 45 and 61 years old. The researcher performed documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. Resulting data was submitted to content analysis and four thematic categories were identified: health care; body in leprosy; disabilities in leprosy; late diagnosis. The results reveal intricate therapeutic itineraries with obstacles for reaching a diagnosis. Lack of information about Hansen's disease and professional inability to diagnose increased both individual and collective risks, in addition to the negative impact on the subjects' daily lives. Thus, a late diagnosis due to the frailty of care strongly concurs to keep Hansen's disease as a stigmatizing and disabling disease. (AU)

Therapeutic itinerary of people with leprosy: paths, struggles, and challenges in the search for care / Itinerario terapéutico de personas con lepra: caminos, luchas y desafíos en busca de atención / Itinerário terapêutico das pessoas com hanseníase: caminhos, lutas e desafios em busca do cuidado

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand how the therapeutic itineraries of people affected by leprosy are processed. Methods: this is a descriptive, qualitative study, conducted in April 2018 in Barão de Grajaú in Maranhão, with interviews in the form of narratives of seven patients who had a late leprosy diagnosis. Results: the search for diagnosis is a major difficulty in accessing health services, resulting in a late diagnosis and, consequently, with the presence of visible deformities. It was noticed that the health units do not have a flow, nor protocols for comprehensive treatment, and these people are referred to a referral unit in another state to perform sputum smear microscopy. Final Considerations: leprosy control actions need reformulations that seek the relationship between operational activities, epidemiological indicators and risk factors, in accordance with the real needs of each region, thus highlighting the gaps evidenced in the therapeutic itineraries.

RESUMEN Objetivos: comprender cómo se procesan los itinerarios terapéuticos de las personas afectadas por la lepra. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, realizado en abril de 2018, en Barão de Grajaú, Maranhão, con entrevistas en forma de narrativas de siete pacientes con diagnóstico tardío de lepra. Resultados: la búsqueda del diagnóstico es una gran dificultad para acceder a los servicios de salud, resultando en un diagnóstico tardío y en presencia de deformidades visibles. Se notó que las unidades de salud no cuentan con un flujo ni protocolos de tratamiento integral, y estas personas son derivadas a una unidad de referencia en otro estado para realizar microscopía de baciloscopia de esputo. Consideraciones Finales: las acciones de control necesitan reformulaciones que busquen la relación entre las actividades operativas, los indicadores epidemiológicos y los factores de riesgo, de acuerdo con las necesidades reales de cada región, destacando las brechas que se evidencian en los itinerarios terapéuticos.

RESUMO Objetivos: compreender como se processam os itinerários terapêuticos das pessoas acometidas pela hanseníase. Métodos: estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em abril de 2018, em Barão de Grajaú, no Maranhão, com entrevistas no formato de narrativas de sete pacientes que tiveram diagnóstico tardio de hanseníase. Resultados: a busca pelo diagnóstico se configura como uma grande dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde, resultando no diagnóstico tardio e, consequentemente, na presença de deformidades visíveis. Percebeu-se que as unidades de saúde não possuem um fluxo nem protocolos para tratamento integral, sendo que essas pessoas são encaminhadas para unidade de referência em outro estado para a realização da baciloscopia. Considerações Finais: as ações de controle da hanseníase necessitam de reformulações que busquem a relação entre as atividades operacionais, indicadores epidemiológicos e os fatores de risco, em concordância com as reais necessidades de cada região, destacando-se, assim, as lacunas evidenciadas nos itinerários terapêuticos.

Epidemiological situation of leprosy in a province in China: a long time to diagnosis and a high rate of deformity.

BACKGROUND: This epidemiological study aimed to analyse both the distribution and characteristics of leprosy in an endemic province in Northwest China. METHODS: The medical records of leprosy patients in the province of Shaanxi, China, from 1998 to 2018 were collected from the Chinese Leprosy Management Information System (LEPMIS). Epidemiological variables were analysed in this study. RESULTS: A total of 477 new cases were diagnosed between 1998 and 2018 in this region. The average annual detection rate was 0.070/100,000 population, and the average annual prevalence was 0.305/100,000 population. The mean age of the newly diagnosed patients was 46.7 years, and the ratio of males to females was 2.5:1. There were 399 cases (83.6%) of multibacillary (MB) leprosy. One hundred forty-eight patients (31.0%) had grade 2 disability. The mean diagnosis time for new cases was 62.0 months. CONCLUSION: This epidemiological study showed that the characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy cases in our province were a long time to diagnosis and a high rate of deformity, indicating the need for actions focusing on early diagnosis and treatment and strengthening the detection of leprosy in low-prevalence areas.

Epidemiological trends of leprosy in Goiás, Brasil / Tendências epidemiológicas da hanseníase em Goiás, Brazil

Abstract Brazil is the second nation in absolute number of new cases of leprosy in the world. The country presents many regions highly endemic to the disease, as is the case of the Goiás. The present study aims to analyze the temporal trends of leprosy indicators in Goiás between 2006 and 2015. This study showed a significant trend of decline for the coefficient of detection. Although the central-western region of the state presented the highest absolute number of cases, the Northeast of the state presents the worst epidemiological situation, with an increase in the number of cases of patients with physical disabilities and those under 14 years of age. The data also showed that there is an increase in the cases of patients with physical deformities in almost all macroregions of the state, indicative of late diagnosis. It is very important that there is a more effective and continuous training of the health professionals of the non-centralized units, for a real control of leprosy as a public health problem in the state. In addition, special attention should be given to the poorer regions of the state, which have shown a tendency to increase the diagnosis of patients younger than 14 years and with physical disabilities caused by leprosy.

Resumo O Brasil é a segunda nação em número absoluto de novos casos de hanseníase no mundo. O país apresenta muitas regiões altamente endêmicas para a doença, como é caso do estado de Goiás. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as tendências temporais dos indicadores de hanseníase em Goiás, entre 2006 e 2015. Este estudo demonstrou uma tendência significativa de declínio para o coeficiente de detecção. Embora a macrorregião do Centro-Oeste do estado tenha apresentado a maior ocorrência absoluta de casos, o Nordeste do estado apresenta a pior situação epidemiológica, com aumento no número de casos de pacientes com incapacidades físicas e menores de 14 anos. Os dados mostraram, ainda, que há um aumento nos casos de pacientes com deformidades físicas em quase todas as macrorregiões do estado, indicativo de diagnóstico tardio. É muito importante que haja uma formação mais efetiva e contínua dos profissionais de saúde das unidades não centralizadas, para um controle real da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública no estado. Além disso, uma atenção especial deve ser dada às regiões mais pobres do estado, que apresentaram uma tendência de aumento no diagnóstico de pacientes menores de 14 anos e com incapacidades físicas causadas pela hanseníase.

Epidemiological trends of leprosy in Goiás, Brasil.

Brazil is the second nation in absolute number of new cases of leprosy in the world. The country presents many regions highly endemic to the disease, as is the case of the Goiás. The present study aims to analyze the temporal trends of leprosy indicators in Goiás between 2006 and 2015. This study showed a significant trend of decline for the coefficient of detection. Although the central-western region of the state presented the highest absolute number of cases, the Northeast of the state presents the worst epidemiological situation, with an increase in the number of cases of patients with physical disabilities and those under 14 years of age. The data also showed that there is an increase in the cases of patients with physical deformities in almost all macroregions of the state, indicative of late diagnosis. It is very important that there is a more effective and continuous training of the health professionals of the non-centralized units, for a real control of leprosy as a public health problem in the state. In addition, special attention should be given to the poorer regions of the state, which have shown a tendency to increase the diagnosis of patients younger than 14 years and with physical disabilities caused by leprosy.

Diagnosis of leprosy in a Nigerian migrant: implementation of surveillance measures in the current migration context.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, leprosy diagnosis is reported in immigrants from endemic countries or Italians who have stayed in endemic areas. We report the first leprosy case to be observed in a migrant from Nigeria in the Rimini district (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy). METHODS: After describing the tasks of the various health Institutions in the Italian integrated system for diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of leprosy, we describe the management and outcomes of the leprosy case and of the patient's contacts. RESULTS: In April 2017, Multibacillary Lepromatose Leprosy was diagnosed in a 29-year-old Nigerian man who arrived in Rimini in July 2014 after a 2-year stay in Libya. The local Public Health Service implemented the epidemiological investigation and identified the patient's close contacts. The management of the case and the surveillance of the 13 identified contacts, 7 Italians and 6 migrants, highlighted some critical issues. The late diagnosis of the case, due to the lack of knowledge of exotic diseases by general practitioners and other health and social professionals, and the loss at follow up of the close contacts (5 out of 6 migrants), represented important obstacles to the full success of surveillance measures. CONCLUSIONS: Although in Italy there is a well codified system of notification and surveillance of leprosy, the recognising of cases and the tracing and follow up of contacts are made difficult by the particular conditions of the involved people. This represents a new challenge for the Italian Public Health Authorities which, in the current context of immigration, often uncontrolled, must know how to respond to the new needs, in close collaboration with the State Institutions responsible for registering migrants and those health and social professionals who could facilitate the access of foreign people to health services.

Delayed diagnosis and ongoing transmission of leprosy in the post-elimination era in Boru Meda hospital, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Following the recommendation of the Global Leprosy Strategy, Ethiopia targeted to reduce the incidence of new leprosy cases, and the proportion with severe disability (grade 2) from 13.6% in 2016 to < 1% in 2020. This study assessed the clinical profile of new leprosy cases and the sequelae of previously treated ones 20 years after leprosy was eliminated as a public health problem in the country. METHODOLOGY: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted  by reviewing the medical records of all leprosy patients seen at the dermatology clinic of Boru Meda Hospital from August to December 2018.The  data were captured using a standard data collection form. RESULTS: Over the study period, 57 (27.4%) new cases and 151 (72.6%) previously treated cases were seen.The median age was 44 years (interquartile range 32-57). Among the newly diagnosed cases, two were under the age of 15 years , 51 (89.5%) were multibacillary and 34 (59.6%) had grade 2 disability. This included visual impairment in 10 (17.5%) and neurological complications in 44 (77.2%). Of the 151 previously treated cases, 104 (68.9%) presented with disabilities, including 97 (64.2%) with grade 2. Amongst previously treated cases, 130 (86.1%) had neurological complications. In addition, 53 (35.1%) had vision impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed evidence of ongoing leprosy transmission and delayed diagnosis in the country. This calls for operational research to determine the underlying reasons and provide ways forward. At the same time, the high burden of disabilities in previously treated cases should be addressed.

Interpretation systems, therapeutic itineraries and repertoires of leprosy patients in a low prevalence country. / Sistemas de interpretación, itinerarios y repertorios terapéuticos de pacientes con lepra en un país con baja prevalencia.

OBJECTIVES: In Peru, despite the small number of cases, there is evidence of late diagnosis and hidden prevalence of leprosy. In this context the objective of the study was to know the interpretation systems on leprosy, itineraries and therapeutic repertoires of patients diagnosed with leprosy who are in treatment or who have finished treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out, applying se mi-structured interviews to patients diagnosed with leprosy from the Loreto and Ucayali regions. RESULTS: 30 patients were interviewed. Most did not know the mechanism of leprosy transmission. In relation to therapeutic itineraries, patients generally went to health facilities on the recommendation of third parties who knew the disease. In some cases, health personnel made a bad diagnosis. The importance of the treatment indicated by the "Ministerio de Salud" (Ministry of Health) is recognized; however, economic factors and the distance to health facilities negatively affect adherence to treatment. In addition, it was evidenced that stigma persists towards the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients recognize the importance of treatment; however, they express misconceptions about the pathogenesis of leprosy, and weaknesses in the health system are also identified. These problems would lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended to strengthen control strategies and decentralize the care of leprosy with the participa tion of the community, patients, health personnel and healers, considering the identified barriers and a probable underdiagnosis in women.

OBJETIVOS: En Perú, a pesar del escaso número de casos, existe evidencia de un diagnóstico tardío y prevalencia oculta de la lepra. En este contexto el objetivo del estudio fue conocer los sistemas de inter pretación sobre la lepra, itinerarios y repertorios terapéuticos de pacientes con diagnóstico de lepra que se encuentren en tratamiento o con tratamiento culminado. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, aplicando entrevistas semiestructuradas a pacientes con diagnóstico de lepra de las regiones de Loreto y Ucayali. RESULTADOS: Se entrevistaron a 30 pacientes. La mayoría no conocía el mecanismo de transmisión de la lepra. En relación con los itinerarios terapéuticos, los pacientes generalmente acudie ron a los establecimientos de salud por recomendación de terceros que conocían la enfermedad. En al gunos casos, el personal de salud realizó un mal diagnóstico. Se reconoce la importancia del tratamiento indicado por el Ministerio de Salud; sin embargo, factores económicos y la distancia a los establecimien tos de salud afectan de forma negativa la adherencia al tratamiento. Además, se evidenció que persiste el estigma de la enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes reconocen la importancia del tratamiento, sin embargo, manifiestan ideas equivocadas sobre la patogenia de la lepra, además se identifican debilidades en el sistema de salud. Estos problemas conllevarían al retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se reco mienda fortalecer las estrategias de control y descentralizar la atención de la lepra con la participación de la comunidad, pacientes, personal de salud y curanderos, considerando las barreras identificadas y un probable infradiagnóstico en la mujer.