EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF LEPROSY CASES ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN VISAKHAPATNAM

BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of leprosy patients attending King George Hospital, between 2016 and 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS Every consecutive patient suspected of having leprosy was included in the study. All the patients attending dermatology Out Patient Department and cases referred from other departments were included in the study during the 2 years study period. Total number of patients included in the study- 315, Number of males- 213, Number of females- 102. All patients suspected to have leprosy were confirmed by clinical examination including sensory and motor examination, slit skin smear and biopsy. Confirmed cases were categorized into respective spectrum. The sample included all age groups. Only new cases were included in the study. Statistical analysis used- Percentages and tabular forms are used in this study. RESULTS Most commonly involved are males and between the age group of 25-45. The overall prevalence of leprosy attending King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, between the years 2016 and 2018 is 2.5; prevalence among male patients is 1.71; prevalence among female patients is 0.8. The prevalence previously in 2016-2017 as given by the district leprosy prevention office is 0.27. The most common spectrum is of borderline tuberculoid type. CONCLUSION The prevalence of leprosy is still continuing to be high and this may be due to the high prevalence in areas in and around Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Orissa as most of the patients attending our OPD are from these areas. Endemicity of the disease, poor knowledge of the patients about disease, leads to no treatment or irregular treatment and exposure to close contacts which in turn lead to spread of infection to the susceptible hosts.