Evaluating the health effect of a Social Housing programme, Minha Casa Minha Vida, using the 100 million Brazilian Cohort: a natural experiment study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Social housing programmes have been shown to influence health, but their effects on cardiovascular mortality and incidence of infectious diseases, such as leprosy and tuberculosis, are unknown. We will use individual administrative data to evaluate the effect of the Brazilian housing programme Minha Casa Minha Vida (MCMV) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and incidence of leprosy and tuberculosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will link the baseline of the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort (2001-2015), which includes information on socioeconomic and demographic variables, to the MCMV (2009-2015), CVD mortality (2007-2015), leprosy (2007-2015) and tuberculosis (2007-2015) registries. We will define our exposed population as individuals who signed the contract to receive a house from MCMV, and our non-exposed group will be comparable individuals within the cohort who have not signed a contract for a house at that time. We will estimate the effect of MCMV on health outcomes using different propensity score approaches to control for observed confounders. Follow-up time of individuals will begin at the date of exposure ascertainment and will end at the time a specific outcome occurs, date of death or end of follow-up (31 December 2015). In addition, we will conduct stratified analyses by the follow-up time, age group, race/ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic position. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the ethic committees from Instituto Gonçalo Muniz-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and University of Glasgow Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences College. Data analysis will be carried out using an anonymised dataset, accessed by researchers in a secure computational environment according to the Centre for Integration of Data and Health Knowledge procedures. Study findings will be published in high quality peer-reviewed research journals and will also be disseminated to policy makers through stakeholder events and policy briefs.

Factors associated with leprosy in children contacts of notified adults in an endemic region of Midwest Brazil / Fatores associados à hanseníase em crianças contatos de adultos notificados em umaregião endêmica do Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Abstract Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with leprosy in children who were intradomiciliary contacts of notified adults with the disease in an endemic municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Method: Case-control study with 204 children under 15 years of age, living in an endemic municipality. Cases (n = 40) were considered as the children with leprosy registered at the National Information System of Notifiable Diseases in 2014 and 2015, who were intradomiciliary contacts of at least one adult diagnosed with the disease in the family, and as a control group (n = 164) of children living within a radius of up to 100 m of the notified cases. Data were obtained through medical file analysis, interviews, and blood samples for anti-PGL-I serological test by the ELISA method. The binary logistic regression technique was used, with p ≤ 0.05. Results: After adjustments, the following were associated with leprosy: age (95% CI: 1.24-9.39, p = 0.018), area of residence (95% CI: 1.11-6.09, p = 0.027), waste disposal (95% CI: 1.91-27.98, p = 0.004), family history of the disease (95% CI: 3.41-22.50, p = 0.000), and time of residence (95% CI: 1.45-7.78, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Factors associated with the disease indicate greater vulnerability of children aged 8-14 years, associated with living conditions and time of residence, as well as the family history of the disease.

Resumo Objetivos: Analisar os fatores associados à hanseníase em crianças contatos intradomiciliares de adultos notificados com a doença em município endêmico, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Método: Estudo caso-controle com 204 menores de 15 anos residentes em um município endêmico. Consideraram-se casos (n = 40) crianças registradas com hanseníase no Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação em 2014 e 2015 e que eram contatos intradomiciliares de pelo menos um adulto diagnosticado com a doença na família e como grupo controle (n = 164) crianças residentes a um raio de 100 metros dos casos notificados. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de análise de prontuários, entrevistas e coleta de amostras de sangue para investigação sorológica do anti-PGL-I pelo método Elisa. Usou-se a técnica de regressão logística binária e p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Mostraram-se associados à hanseníase após ajustes: idade (IC 95%: 1,24-9,39; p = 0,018), zona de residência (IC 95%: 1,11-6,09; p = 0,027), destino de lixo (IC 95%: 1,91-27,98; p = 0,004), história da doença na família (IC 95%: 3,41-22,50; p = 0,000) e tempo de moradia (IC 95%: 1,45-7,78; p = 0,005). Conclusão: Os fatores associados à doença indicam maior vulnerabilidade em menores de 8 a 14 anos, ligadas as condições e ao tempo de moradia, bem como a história da doença na família.

Factors associated with leprosy in children contacts of notified adults in an endemic region of Midwest Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors associated with leprosy in children who were intradomiciliary contacts of notified adults with the disease in an endemic municipality in Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHOD: Case-control study with 204 children under 15 years of age, living in an endemic municipality. Cases (n=40) were considered as the children with leprosy registered at the National Information System of Notifiable Diseases in 2014 and 2015, who were intradomiciliary contacts of at least one adult diagnosed with the disease in the family, and as a control group (n=164) of children living within a radius of up to 100m of the notified cases. Data were obtained through medical file analysis, interviews, and blood samples for anti-PGL-I serological test by the ELISA method. The binary logistic regression technique was used, with p≤0.05. RESULTS: After adjustments, the following were associated with leprosy: age (95% CI: 1.24-9.39, p=0.018), area of residence (95% CI: 1.11-6.09, p=0.027), waste disposal (95% CI: 1.91-27.98, p=0.004), family history of the disease (95% CI: 3.41-22.50, p=0.000), and time of residence (95% CI: 1.45-7.78, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Factors associated with the disease indicate greater vulnerability of children aged 8-14 years, associated with living conditions and time of residence, as well as the family history of the disease.

O domicílio como importante fator de transmissão da hanseníase / The home as an important leprosy transmission factor

Objetivo: descrever o perfil dos domicílios e dos contatos intradomiciliares que apresentaram um ou mais casos da doença após a primeira notificação. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, retrospectivo. Estudaram-se 52 pacientes que apresentaram a doença após a notificação do caso índice no SINAN. Coletaram-se os dados em prontuário e realizaram-se entrevistas por meio de formulário. Analisaram-se os dados no programa estatístico EPI INFO 7.1.1.0, realizando-se a análise estatística descritiva. Resultados: notificaram-se, nos anos de 2013 e 2014, 101 casos de hanseníase. Revela-se que a média de contatos foi de 3,6 por domicílio, sendo que 46 conviviam há mais de dez anos com o caso índice; em relação aos contatos desses domicílios, a escolaridade é baixa; 65,4% deles não receberam a vacina BCG; 61,5% não foram avaliados clinicamente e 21,2% dos contatos ainda sofreram algum tipo de discriminação/preconceito. Conclusão: acredita-se que o controle dos contatos é um dos pilares estratégicos para a quebra da cadeia de transmissão da doença no domicílio, associado ao diagnóstico precoce, tratamento e prevenção de incapacidades físicas.(AU)

Objective: to describe the profile of households and household contacts who presented one or more cases of the disease after the first notification. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Fifty-two patients who presented the disease after notification of the index case in SINAN were studied. Data was collected from medical records and interviews were conducted using a form. Data were analyzed using the statistical program EPI INFO 7.1.1.0, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: in 2013 and 2014, 101 cases of leprosy were reported. The average number of contacts was 3.6 per household, and 46 had been living with the index case for over ten years; Regarding the contacts of these households, the education level is low; 65.4% of them did not receive the BCG vaccine; 61.5% were not clinically evaluated and 21.2% of contacts still suffered some kind of discrimination/prejudice. Conclusion: it is believed that contact control is one of the strategic pillars for breaking the disease transmission chain at home, associated with early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of physical disabilities.(AU)

Objetivo: describir el perfil de los hogares y contactos familiares que presentaron uno o más casos de la enfermedad después de la primera notificación. Método: este es un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo. Se estudiaron 52 pacientes que presentaron la enfermedad después de la notificación del caso índice en SINAN. Los datos se recopilaron de los registros médicos y las entrevistas se realizaron mediante un formulario. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el programa estadístico EPI INFO 7.1.1.0 y se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: en 2013 y 2014, se informaron 101 casos de lepra. El número promedio de contactos fue de 3.6 por hogar, y 46 habían estado viviendo con el caso índice por más de diez años; con respecto a los contactos de estos hogares, el nivel educativo es bajo; el 65,4% de ellos no recibieron la vacuna BCG; el 61.5% no fueron evaluados clínicamente y el 21.2% de los contactos aún sufrieron algún tipo de discriminación/prejuicio. Conclusión: se cree que el control de contacto es uno de los pilares estratégicos para romper la cadena de transmisión de enfermedades en el hogar, asociado con el diagnóstico temprano, el tratamiento y la prevención de discapacidades físicas.(AU)

Leprosy incidence, characterization of cases and correlation with household and cases variables of the Brazilian states in 2010.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is millenary disease and still persists in several countries. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of leprosy in the Brazilian states and for the country in the year 2010; to describe the cases reported according to the studied variables; to verify the correlation between the overall incidence and the studied variables. METHODS: Ecological descriptive study, with population data from the 27 states, 2010. Information about reported cases were collected: gender, race, percentage of patients younger than 15 years old and living conditions. The analysis was performed using percentages, means, incidence rates and the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: The states of Mato Grosso and Tocantins recorded the highest incidence rates; Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the lowest; there was a higher incidence of leprosy among men; the incidence of leprosy increases proportionally with the nonwhites among the inhabitants; patients younger than 15 years; the average number of residents per household; and a decrease in coverage of water supply and presence of bathrooms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of leprosy is related to factors as gender, race and house conditions (p<0,05 for all).

Leprosy incidence, characterization of cases and correlation with household and cases variables of the Brazilian states in 2010

Abstract BACKGROUND: Leprosy is millenary disease and still persists in several countries. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of leprosy in the Brazilian states and for the country in the year 2010; to describe the cases reported according to the studied variables; to verify the correlation between the overall incidence and the studied variables. METHODS: Ecological descriptive study, with population data from the 27 states, 2010. Information about reported cases were collected: gender, race, percentage of patients younger than 15 years old and living conditions. The analysis was performed using percentages, means, incidence rates and the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: The states of Mato Grosso and Tocantins recorded the highest incidence rates; Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the lowest; there was a higher incidence of leprosy among men; the incidence of leprosy increases proportionally with the nonwhites among the inhabitants; patients younger than 15 years; the average number of residents per household; and a decrease in coverage of water supply and presence of bathrooms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of leprosy is related to factors as gender, race and house conditions (p<0,05 for all).

Fatores associados à recidiva em hanseníase em Mato Grosso / Factors associated to relapse of leprosy in Mato Grosso, Central-Western Brazil / Factores asociados a recidiva en hanseníasis en Mato Grosso, Centro-oeste de Brasil

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores associados à ocorrência de recidiva em hanseníase. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com 159 pacientes maiores de 15 anos diagnosticados com hanseníase em cinco municípios do estado de Mato Grosso, cujas unidades de saúde eram consideradas de referência para o atendimento. O grupo de casos incluiu 53 indivíduos com recidiva de 2005 a 2007 e foi comparado ao grupo controle (106 com alta por cura em 2005), pareados por sexo e classificação operacional. Foram usados dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, prontuários e entrevistas. Utilizou-se regressão logística condicional e abordagem hierárquica. RESULTADOS: Após análise ajustada, mostraram-se associados à ocorrência de recidiva: indivíduos residentes em casas alugadas (OR = 4,1; IC95 por cento:1,43;12,04), em domicílio de madeira/taipa (OR = 3,2; IC95 por cento: 1,16;8,76), que moravam com mais de cinco pessoas (OR = 2,1; IC95 por cento : 1,03;4,36), com transtorno de uso de álcool (OR = 2,8; IC95 por cento: 1,17;6,79), irregularidade do tratamento (OR = 3,8;IC95 por cento: 1,44;10,02), sem esclarecimento sobre a doença/tratamento (OR = 2,6; IC95 por cento: 1,09;6,13), que usavam transporte coletivo para o acesso à unidade de saúde (OR = 5,5; IC95 por cento: 2,36;12,63), forma clínica da doença (OR = 7,1; IC95 por cento: 2,48;20,52) e esquema terapêutico (OR = 3,7; IC95 por cento: 1,49;9,11). CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores preditivos de recidiva relacionam-se com condições de moradia, hábitos de vida, organização dos serviços de saúde, formas clínicas e esquemas terapêuticos. Cabe aos serviços de saúde oferecer orientações adequadas aos pacientes, bem como garantir a regularidade do tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with relapse of leprosy. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study including 159 patients older than 15 diagnosed with leprosy attending reference centers for leprosy in five municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso, central-western Brazil. Cases (n=53) were patients with relapsed leprosy diagnosed from 2005 to 2007 who were compared with controls (n=106) matching for gender and operational classification who were considered cured after treatment in 2005. Data was obtained from the local Notifiable Diseases Database, medical records and interviews. For the analyses conditional logistic regression and hierarchical approaches were used. RESULTS: After adjustment, the following factors were associated with relapse of leprosy: living in rental housing (OR = 4.1; 95 percentCI: 1.43;12.04); living in houses constructed of wood and mud (OR = 3.2; 95 percentCI: 1.16;8.76); living with dwellings with more than five people (OR = 2.1; 95 percentCI: 1.03;4.36); alcohol use disorder (OR = 2.8; 95 percentCI: 1.17;6.79); irregular treatment (OR =3.8; 95 percentCI: 1.44;10.02); lack of knowledge about the disease/treatment (OR = 2.6; 95 percentCI: 1.09;6.13); use of public transportation to get to the clinic (OR = 5.5; 95 percentCI: 2.36;12.63); clinical form of the disease (OR = 7.1; 95 percentCI: 2.48;20.52), and treatment regimen (OR = 3.7; 95 percentCI: 1.49;9.11). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive factors of relapse are associated with housing conditions, living habits, organization of health services, clinical forms of leprosy and treatment regimen. Health services should educate patients on the disease as well as ensure consistent treatment.

OBJETIVO: Analizar factores asociados a la ocurrencia de recidiva en hanseníasis. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo caso-control con 159 pacientes mayores de 15 años diagnosticados con hanseníasis en cinco municipios del Estado de Mato Grosso, Centro-oeste de Brasil, cuyas unidades de salud eran consideradas de referencia para el atendimiento. El grupo de casos incluyó 53 individuos con recidiva de 2005 a 2007 y fue comparado con el grupo control (106 con alta por cura en 2005), pareados por sexo y clasificación operacional. Se usaron datos del Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación, Prontuarios y entrevistas. Se utilizó regresión logística condicional y abordaje jerárquico. RESULTADOS: Posterior al análisis ajustado, se mostraron asociados a la ocurrencia de recidiva: individuos residentes en casas alquiladas (OR=4,1; IC95 por ciento:1,43;12,04), en domicilio de madera/tapia (OR=3,2; IC 95 por ciento:1,16;8,76), que moraban con más de cinco personas (OR=2,1; IC95 por ciento:1,03;4,36), con trastorno por uso de alcohol (OR=2,8;IC95 por ciento:1,17;6,79), irregularidad del tratamiento (OR= 3,8; IC95 por ciento: 1,44;10,02), sin esclarecimiento sobre la enfermedad/tratamiento (OR= 2,6; IC95 por ciento:1,09,6,13), que usaban transporte colectivo para el acceso a la unidad de salud (OR=5,5; IC95 por ciento: 2,36;12,63), forma clínica de la enfermedad (OR= 7,1;IC95 por ciento: 2,48;20,52) y esquema terapéutico (OR= 3,7; IC95 por ciento:1,49;9,11). CONCLUSIONES: Los factores predictivos de recidiva se relacionan con condiciones de vivienda, hábitos de vida, organización de los servicios de salud, formas clínicas y esquemas terapéuticos. Compete a los servicios de salud ofrecer orientaciones adecuadas a los pacientes, así como garantizar la regularidad del tratamiento.

Factors associated to relapse of leprosy in Mato Grosso, Central-Western Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with relapse of leprosy. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study including 159 patients older than 15 diagnosed with leprosy attending reference centers for leprosy in five municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso, central-western Brazil. Cases (n=53) were patients with relapsed leprosy diagnosed from 2005 to 2007 who were compared with controls (n=106) matching for gender and operational classification who were considered cured after treatment in 2005. Data was obtained from the local Notifiable Diseases Database, medical records and interviews. For the analyses conditional logistic regression and hierarchical approaches were used. RESULTS: After adjustment, the following factors were associated with relapse of leprosy: living in rental housing (OR = 4.1; 95%CI: 1.43;12.04); living in houses constructed of wood and mud (OR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.16;8.76); living with dwellings with more than five people (OR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.03;4.36); alcohol use disorder (OR = 2.8; 95%CI: 1.17;6.79); irregular treatment (OR =3.8; 95%CI: 1.44;10.02); lack of knowledge about the disease/treatment (OR = 2.6; 95%CI: 1.09;6.13); use of public transportation to get to the clinic (OR = 5.5; 95%CI: 2.36;12.63); clinical form of the disease (OR = 7.1; 95%CI: 2.48;20.52), and treatment regimen (OR = 3.7; 95%CI: 1.49;9.11). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive factors of relapse are associated with housing conditions, living habits, organization of health services, clinical forms of leprosy and treatment regimen. Health services should educate patients on the disease as well as ensure consistent treatment.

[Risk factors for Leprosy transmission]. / Fatores de risco para transmissão da Hanseníase.

This case-control study aimed to identify individual risk factors regarding the transmission of leprosy. The group case represented by 90 cases of leprosy sick people pontificated at SINAN during 2003 and 2006 and a group control constituted by 270 healthy people, paired by gender and age. There was significant statistical between occurrence of the disease and its current presence (OR: 2,9) and old cases (OR= 5,0) of leprosy among co-sanguine relatives. Knowing that the only exam of the contact in the act of the diagnostic detects a minimum part of the new cases, it is proposed to execute periodical examinations of the contact of leprosy for detecting the new cases.

Fatores de risco para transmissão da Hanseníase / Factores de riesgo para la transmisión de la Lepra / Risk factors for Leprosy transmission

Estudo caso controle que objetivou identificar fatores individuais de risco relacionados à transmissão da doença. O grupo caso, composto por 90 pacientes de hanseníase notificados no SINAN entre 2003 e 2006; o grupo controle, constituído por 270 indivíduos sadios, pareados por sexo e faixa etária. Houve associação significativa entre a ocorrência da doença e a presença atual (OR= 2,9) e antiga (OR=5,0) de hanseníase entre parentes co-sangüíneos. Sabendo-se que o exame único dos contatos, no ato do diagnóstico, detecta uma parcela mínima dos casos, propõe-se a realização de exames periódicos dos contatos de hansenianos a fim de detectar os novos casos.

This case-control study aimed to identify individual risk factors regarding the transmission of leprosy. The group case represented by 90 cases of leprosy sick people pontificated at SINAN during 2003 and 2006 and a group control constituted by 270 healthy people, paired by gender and age. There was significant statistical between occurrence of the disease and its current presence (OR: 2,9) and old cases (OR= 5,0) of leprosy among co-sanguine relatives. Knowing that the only exam of the contact in the act of the diagnostic detects a minimum part of the new cases, it is proposed to execute periodical examinations of the contact of leprosy for detecting the new cases.

Estudio caso controle que objetivó identificar factores individuales del riesgo relacionados a transmisión de la enfermedad. El grupo caso, compuesto por 90 pacientes con lepra notificados en el SINAN entre 2003 y 2006; y el grupo controle, constituido por 270 individuos saludables, pareados por sexo y edad. Hubo asociación significativa entre la ocurrencia de la enfermedad y la presencia actual (OR= 2,9) y antigua (OR=5,0) de la lepra entre parientes co-sanguíneos. Sabiéndose que el examen único de los contactos en el acto del diagnóstico detecta una parcela mínima de los casos, se propone a la realización del examen periódico de los contactos de leprosos a fin de detectar los nuevos casos.

Awareness about the persons with disability act among leprosy patients and other disabled persons.

To assess the level of awareness about the different provisions of the Persons with Disability Act (PWD Act) among leprosy patients and other disabled, 233 disabled persons from the self-help groups formed by Vadathorasalur Leprosy Control Unit have been interviewed using a structured interview checklist. The results show that 74.7% of the respondents were aware that identity cards are available for the disabled, 56.2% were aware of the free education benefit to the disabled, as low as 35.6% were aware of the scholarships, 33% knew about the employment reservations, 24.9% heard about the housing scheme of the government for the disabled, but 24.5% only knew about law against discrimination, 31.8% came in contact with institutions for the severely disabled and only 16% were aware of the unemployment allowance to the disabled. The level of awareness is low among women with regard to all components of the Act. It was found that students studying up to secondary level were not aware of the availability of scholarships and free education, which needs to be seriously looked into, especially by educational institutions. The level of formal education played a significant role in increasing awareness about the Act among literates. The knowledge is low among persons of all occupations. The study showed that there is a great need for an educational intervention programme to publicize the provisions of the Act among the disabled and their families.

Genotyping of Mycobacterium leprae on the basis of the polymorphism of TTC repeats for analysis of leprosy transmission.

The polymorphism of TTC repeats in Mycobacterium leprae was examined using the bacilli obtained from residents in villages at North Maluku where M. leprae infections are highly endemic (as well as from patients at North Sulawesi of Indonesia) to elucidate the possible mode of leprosy transmission. TTC genotypes are stable for several generations of passages in nude mice footpads and, hence, are feasible for the genotyping of isolates and epidemiological analysis of leprosy transmission. It was found that bacilli with different TTC genotypes were distributed among residents at the same dwelling in villages in which leprosy is endemic and that some household contacts harbored bacilli with a different genotype from that harbored by the patient. Investigations of a father-and-son pair of patients indicated that infections of bacilli with 10 and 18 copies, respectively, had occurred. Genotypes of TTC repeats were found to differ between a son under treatment and two brothers. These results reveal the possibility that in addition to exposure via the presence of a leprosy patient with a multibacillary infection who was living with family members, there might have been some infectious sources to which the residents had been commonly exposed outside the dwellings. A limited discriminative capacity of the TTC polymorphism in the epidemiological analysis implies the need of searching other useful polymorphic loci for detailed subdivision of clinical isolates.

"Outside project area" leprosy cases in 'A' ward of Mumbai.

Analysis of newly registered smear-positive cases in a ward of the metropolitan city of Mumbai, which has a railway terminus during 1990-97 revealed that 72% of the patients came from outside the project area, most of them arising from the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa. They had unstable and temporary residences in the area and were employed in low income hard labour jobs. Nevertheless, it was found that their treatment completion rate was high. Using different approaches, e.g. through the community leaders of footpath dwellers and railway platform dwellers, and those of different state language groups' colonies, the new entrants were examined periodically and simultaneously proper rapport was maintained with the medical practitioners of the ward for more referrals to leprosy clinic. Such special approach may have to be developed to tackle such situation in other metropolis in the country.

Extended schooling and good housing conditions are associated with reduced risk of leprosy in rural Malawi.

Incidence rates of leprosy in Karonga District, northern Malawi, are analyzed by duration of schooling and housing conditions, controlling for age, sex, BCG scar and geographical zone of the household. There is a strong inverse relationship between the number of completed years of schooling and leprosy risk. Good housing conditions are also associated with a decreased risk of developing leprosy in this population. The effect of housing is seen most strongly in young people. It is hypothesized that schooling changes behavior and housing determines environment in ways which are relevant for the transmission of Mycobacterium leprae or for the appropriate priming of the immune system.

Community-based rehabilitation: an evaluation study.

Leprosy gives rise to two types of stigmatization, one from the disease and its neuropathetic manifestations, with their resultant disability and handicaps, and the other due to social ostracism. The process of rehabilitation should begin from the moment the disease is diagnosed, and the earlier its detection the better the prognosis for patients. The family unit to which the patient belongs plays a vital role in his social life, ensuring and enhancing his self-respect and dignity in society, and this fact must be recognized when evolving a strategy for rehabilitation. In no circumstances should a patient be removed from his natural home environment. It is important that the community is made leprosy conscious and gets more involved in hastening the social assimilation of patients. Communication plays an important role throughout the rehabilitation process. One of the major functions is the removal of the social stigma in the family and in the community and this involves communication skills to ensure interaction between the staff and patients' families and the education of the community. A highlight of community-based rehabilitation is the excellent rate of repayment of loans by the patients to whom they were made. Also of note is the extent to which former defaulters make repayments due to the continuous rapport and good interpersonal relationship between the staff and patients. Most of the subjects of this study were drawn from the lower economic strata of society and for them the most essential consideration is to make a living, however meagre.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sub-clinical infection with Mycobacterium leprae in household contacts of leprosy.

870 household contacts of leprosy patients were examined for sub-clinical infection with M. leprae by smear (skin and nasal), lepromin and FLA-ABS tests. 0.6%, 3.3%, 71.5% and 14.4% of the contacts were found to be positive for skin smear, nasal smear, lepromin and FLA-ABS tests respectively. An analysis of the results revealed that 4% of the lepromin positive contacts and 3.6% of the lepromin negative contacts were positive to both FLA-ABS and skin or nasal smear.

Longhouse dwelling, social contact and the prevalence of leprosy and tuberculosis among native tribes of Sarawak.

In Sarawak, some tribes stay in communal longhouses whilst others live in villages of single dwellings. The present study looks into the question of whether there is an association between the prevalence of leprosy and tuberculosis with the quantum of social contact that occurs in these two types of settlement patterns. It was found that the prevalence of leprosy and tuberculosis is significantly higher among longhouse dwellers compared with single house dwellers. It was also noted that social groups tended to be larger and to persist for much longer among longhouse dwellers than among those in single dwellings. This lends support to the evidence that social contact in longhouses is more extensive and contributes towards a higher prevalence of leprosy and tuberculosis.

Social and demographic aspects of a leprosy epidemic on a Polynesian atoll: implications of pattern.

This study reports the results of field research on a leprosy epidemic among the Kapingamarangi people, Polynesians living in two communities on Ponape Island and Kapingamarangi Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia. The patterns of infection in the two communities are seen to replicate in detail patterns of personal mobility by age and gender and patterns of kinship and friendship relations that order people's social interactions in the communities. These patterns of demographic and social relationship form the context of infectious contact, enabling us to differentiate between more- and less-probable means by which Hansen's disease is spread. We compare coughing and sneezing with inoculation through the frayed fibers of pandanus leaf floor mats and sleeping mats as alternative ways of spreading leprosy infection. We find that frayed mats, because they are ubiquitous in the contexts in which people interact, are more likely to spread infection than coughing and sneezing. Finally, we find that demographic patterns of the communities are not identical with genealogical relationships such that people with close genealogical relationships often do not interact on a regular basis. Thus, genealogical distance and social distance are independent of each other in this community. This makes genetic assessment of inheritance of resistance and susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae an enterprise unencumbered by a necessarily linked demographic variable.