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EpidemiologicalEpidemiologicalCharacteristicsCharacteristics

of Leprosyof Leprosy

Dr.Dr. panchalpanchal sanjaysanjay gg

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Epidemiological CharacteristicsEpidemiological Characteristics

of Leprosyof LeprosyAgent Factors and Reservoir ofAgent Factors and Reservoir of

InfectionInfection

Host FactorsHost Factors

Mode of TransmissionMode of Transmission

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Agent FactorsAgent FactorsM. Leprae : Primary Determinant

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Agent FactorsAgent Factors

1.1. Obligatory Intracellular ParasiteObligatory Intracellular Parasite

Nerve Cells, Skin appendages,Nerve Cells, Skin appendages,

MacrophageMacrophage

2.2. Long Generation TimeLong Generation Time 15 to 2015 to 20

daysdays3.3. NonNon--toxictoxic No endo or exotoxinsNo endo or exotoxins

M. Leprae : Primary Determinant

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Do they spread LeprosyDo they spread Leprosy

Infection ?Infection ?

2S

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Host FactorsHost Factors

Low Socio Economic ClassLow Socio Economic Class

AgeAge Young AdultsYoung Adults

SexSex Males > FemalesMales > Females ImmunityImmunity Natural > 95% peopleNatural > 95% peopleSusceptible HostSusceptible Host = Person without= Person without

specific Immunity against leprosyspecific Immunity against leprosy(General Hygiene, Environmental Sanitation,(General Hygiene, Environmental Sanitation,

Nutrition etc. do not play specific role )Nutrition etc. do not play specific role )

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Mode of TransmissionMode of Transmission

Transmission of leprosy is by

Droplet Infection

Prolonged, intimate skin to skin contact with

untreated Infectious case can also transmit leprosy

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Prevention of LeprosyPrevention of Leprosy

Factors responsible for causing leprosy

M. leprae +SusceptibleHost

ClinicalLeprosy

1 2

If one of the two factors is removed,

leprosy can be prevented

In absence of Primary Prevention, i.e. Anti-leprosy Vaccine,Present Prevention Methods are targeted towards M. leprae

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Prevention of Leprosy : Cntd.

Early Detection & Treatment

Complete Cure

withoutResidual effects

Breaks

Chain ofTransmission

Individual isbenefited

Community isbenefited

Health Education is an essential component for Community Participation

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How does leprosy spread?

Only untreated infectious leprosy

patients spread leprosy.

Leprosy spreads by sneezing andcoughing (drop-let type of infection)

Only 10 -15 % of the total

leprosy patients are infectious.

Infectious patients will become non

infectious by taking multi drug therapy

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Who can get leprosy?

Only 2-5 % persons who do not have

natural resistance (immunity) against

bacilli may develop leprosy. It means majority of people are

naturally immune to the disease.

Therefore, leprosy is the least infectious

among all communicable diseases.

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