Trend analysis of registered prevalence and case detection rates of leprosy in Kenya 1982-1990

The direction of the trends in leprosy registered prevalence and case detection rates during the period 1982-1990 were studied. The registered prevalence rate declined more significantly than case detection rate; but without any evidence of inverse correlation as is expected in any well-organised leprosy control programme with the introduction of multidrug therapy. It is concluded that the observed declines may not; to alarge extent; be attributed to the advent of multidrug therapy

Occurrence of type 1 reactions in leprosy in West Kenya

Leprosy reactions are a major cause of leprosy deformities and disabilities. The risk factors that trigger off these reactions are ill understood and only associations with stressing conditions have been drawn. Type 1 reactions are known to occur in leprosy patients both before and after onset of chemotherapy. A total of 264 leprosy record cards belonging to patients treated at Alupe Leprosy and Skin Diseases Research Centre between March 1985 and February 1991 were reviewed to determine the differences between those who developed Type 1 reaction and those who did not. Disease classification; age; sex; treatment regimen and time of onset of the reactions were some of the variables examined. 39 of multibacillary leprosy cases compared to 61 of paucibacillary cased had Type 1 reactions. 49 of reactions in the two classes occurred during chemotherapy. Significant differences between sex; age and type of leprosy were found among those who had Type 1 reaction and those who did not

Leprosy control in Zimbabwe : from a vertical to a horizontal programme

In Zimbabwe leprosy control services were re-established in 1983; following the war of independence. Its main objectives were the nation-wide implementation of multiple drug treatment (MDT) and the intergration of leprosy control into the general health services. The MDT regimens have led to a rapid reduction of the prevalence of leprosy. At the beginning of 1989 357 patients were on a treatment and 1299 under follow-up. Six hundred and twenty-seven new cases have been detected since 1984; which represents an annual case detection rate of 1.6 per 100;000. This seems a fair reflection of the incidence rate; as the new cases are characterized by a minority of patients under the age of 15 (4) and a lepromatous percentage of 50. [abstract terminated]

Evaluation de la mise en oeuvre de la polychimiotherapie (PCT) antilepreuse au Burkina Faso

De janvier 1990 a decembre 1992; l'auteur a mene une evaluation de la polychimiotherapie antilepreuse au Burkina Faso. Les ressources et les activites ont ete evaluees lors d'une enquete par questionnaire. Les schemas therapeutiques preconises par l'OMS : 6 mois pour les malades paucibacillaires et 24 mois pour les malades multibacillaires sont integralement respectes. Le taux de prevalence au 31 decembre 1990 est passe de 12;27 pour mille a 2;95 pour mille en 1992. La couverture PCT est a 100 pour cent