Monitoring and detection of leprosy patients in Southwest China: A retrospective study, 2010-2014.

More than 100 counties, mainly in southwest China, report incidence rates of leprosy >1/100,000. The current study analysed the epidemiology of leprosy in southwest China to improve our understanding of the transmission pattern and improve control programs. 207 counties were selected in southwest China. Leprosy patients and their household contacts were recruited. The data from the medical interview and the serological antileprosy antibody of the leprosy patients were analysed. A total of 2,353 new cases of leprosy were interviewed. The distribution of leprosy patients was partly associated with local natural and economic conditions, especially several pocket areas. A total of 53 from 6643 household contacts developed leprosy, and the incidence rate of leprosy in the household contacts was 364/100,000 person-years. We found that NDO-BSA attained higher positive rates than MMP-II and LID-1 regardless of clinical types, disability and infection time in leprosy patients. By means of combination of antigens, 88.4% patients of multibacillary leprosy were detected, in contrast to 59.9% in paucibacillary leprosy. Household contacts should be given close attention for the early diagnosis, disruption of disease transmission and precise control. Applications of serology for multi-antigens were recommended for effective coverage and monitoring in leprosy control.

Correlation analysis between NOD2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and leprosy in Chinese Yi population / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To assess the association between NOD2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and leprosy in Chinese Yi population.Methods Whole blood samples were obtained from 300 patients with leprosy and 300 healthy human controls of Yi nationality in Sichuan province.Genomic DNA was extracted,and a SNaPshot assay was performed to determine the genotypes of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NOD2 gene,including rs9302752,rs7194886,rs8057341 and rs3135499.Chi-square test was conducted to compare allele frequency,and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested.Results The genotype distribution of all the four SNPs was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (all P ＞ 0.05).Significant differences were observed between the patients with leprosy and healthy controls in both genotype distribution and allele frequency of the SNP rs3135499 (both P ＜ 0.01),but not in those of the other three SNPs (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The SNP rs3135499 of the NOD2 gene may be associated with the development of leprosy in Chinese Yi population.