New cases and types of leprosy in Interior Sindh: an analysis of 3 years [2012-2014]

Objective: To evaluate the new cases and clinical types of leprosy in interior Sindh

Methods: Data analysis and evaluation of 3-year record of leprosy centers/clinics in Interior Sindh

Results: Of total 238 new registered cases, 98 [41%] were diagnosed after a delay of 1 year. The types of disease found were tuberculoid 59 [25%], borderline tuberculoid 100 [42%], borderline 13 [5%], borderline lepromatous 53 [22%] and lepromatous lepromatous 13 [5%] cases. Multibacillary cases were 179 [75%] and paucibacillary 59 [25%]

Conclusion: The 3-year analysis of Interior Sindh shows endemic regions of leprosy in Pakistan which will help in devising strategy for an effective leprosy control program

Leprosy in Sukkur region: a series of 143 cases from 2001-2011 at leprosy centre Sukkur, Sindh

To document the clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy patients in Sukkur Region, Sindh. A total of 143 new leprosy cases referred and registered in leprosy centre, Sukkur from 2001-2011 were studied. Diagnosis was based on clinical grounds, and supported by acid-fast bacilli on slit-skin smear. Out of 143 new cases 73 [51%] were males and 70 [49%] females. The peak age of disease onset was second decade. The most common form of the disease was borderline tuberculoid [BT] seen in 76 [53%] cases. Ulnar nerve was the most frequently affected nerve seen in 30 [21%] cases. Although in urban cities the cases of leprosy are in decline but still it exists in rural areas of Sindh. It is important for the practitioners to be aware of its diagnosis and management to prevent the deformities

Awareness of leprosy - knowledge and practices among general practitioners in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region, Sindh, Pakistan

To assess awareness about leprosy among general practitioners in endemic areas of Larkana region Sindh, Pakistan. The survey was carried out during January to March 2010 among general practitioners practicing in leprosy endemic areas of Larkana region. A total of 250 general practitioners were surveyed by questionnaires. 225 properly filled questionnaires were scrutinized and included in the study. Out of these, 172 [76.4%] practitioners had enough knowledge of the leprosy symptoms, while remaining 53 [23.5%] were unaware of them. Among 172 aware practitioners, 133 [77.3%] had enough knowledge regarding source of leprosy infection while 39 [22.6%] had no such knowledge. Out of these, 133 practitioners who knew the source, 60 [45.2%] were sure about the disease cure but 73 [54.8%] were unsure. Among 60 practitioners who knew about the cure of the disease, 21 [35%] showed social acceptance like having cup of tea with leprosy patients or working in same environment or keeping them as helpers with while 39 [65%] practitioners rejected them socially. Leprosy control needs more efforts to create awareness and to combat irrational fear still largely associated with this disease.

Leprosy in Larkano region; an analysis of 102 cases from 2001-2011 at leprosy centre Larkano, Sindh, Pakistan

To evaluate the prevalence of leprosy in Larkano Region, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 102 new leprosy cases referred and registered in Leprosy Centre Larkano from 2001-2011 were studied. Of the 102 new cases 49 [48.03%] were males and 53 [51.96%] were females. They were born in rural area of Larkano region with the peak age of disease at their fourth decade. The most common form of the disease was borderline tuberculoid [BT] form and found especially in female patients. Ulnar nerve was the most frequently affected peripheral nerve. Although Leprosy is a rare disease but in Larkano region it is still encountered. It is important for the practitioners to be aware of its diagnosis when they meet with patient of leprosy with peripheral nerve involvement

Ocular disabilities in leprosy, Larkana district, Sindh, Pakistan

Eye involvement is a common cause of disability and morbidity in leprosy patients. During the Leishmaniasis survey in the mountainous belt, leprosy patients were also checked for different eye complications. The purpose of this survey was to find out the frequency and severity of ophthalmic disabilities and deformities associated with leprosy in Larkana district. The disabilities and deformities noted were graded according to WHO criteria [1982] as grade I, II and III. Eye complications were seen in 43.4% of leprosy patients. There were 71% males and 29% females. Both eyes were affected. Grade I disabilities were more frequent. Eye complications are quite common in leprosy patients of Larkana region. Patients` education, early diagnosis and treatment and continuous surveillance are mandatory to reduce this high figure

Leprosy awareness among doctors during survey of district Larkana

The purpose of study was to measure the level of awareness about Leprosy among doctors working at Chandka Medical College Hospital Larkana and Talukas of Larkana district. The survey was primarily focused on disease symtomatology, source of infection, cure and acceptance of leprosy patients in society. The results obtained show that doctors knew the symptoms and source of leprosy but majority of the doctors were ill informed about its cure and acceptance in civil society. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed out of which 25/250 questionnaires were improperly filled and 225/250 questionnaires were properly filled and scrutinized. Out of 225 doctors 172/225 [76.4%] knew the symptomatology of the disease while 53/250 [23.5%] doctors were unaware about the symptoms of leprosy. 133/172[77.3%] doctors had knowledge about the source of infection, while 39/172[22.6%] did not. Regarding treatment of leprosy 60/133 [45.1%] doctors knew management and on the contrary 73/133[54.8%] doctors were not sure about treatment. 21/60[[35%] doctors accepted social activities like having a cup of tea with a leper or working in the same environment or keeping them as helpers. While 39/60[65%] doctors rejected lepers socially

Clinical trial of 20% Mat lippia [bucan] topical ointment for cutaneous leishmaniasis; a preliminary trial

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in many parts of Pakistan. The mainstay of treatment is systemic pentavalent antimonials. However, many indigenous plants are also used for its treatment. To test the hypothesis that Mat lippia [Bucan], a local plant, may be topically effective in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The study comprised of two parts. Part 1: An alcoholic extract from the leaves of the plant was obtained and then 20% ointment in petroleum jelly was made. In part 2, eighty patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with this ointment applied thrice daily for six weeks. Patients were followed up initially twice a week and then at weekly intervals for six weeks. 60% showed excellent response and 20% exhibited fair improvement. 20% Mat lippia ointment seems to be effective in the treatment of leishmaniasis. However, further comparative studies are warranted to confirm these findings