Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:32
Optimized Protocols for Mycobacterium leprae Strain Management: Frozen Stock Preservation and Maintenance in Athymic Nude Mice
Published on: March 23, 2014
Relapses in multibacillary leprosy patients after multidrug therapy
Mitranna Poojabylaiah1, Ramesh Bhat Marne, Rajina Varikkodan
1Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore 575 002, Karnataka, India.
Leprosy Review
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Leprosy relapse rates after multidrug therapy (MDT) are low, with only 1.84% of patients relapsing. High bacterial load before treatment is a key factor influencing leprosy relapse.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multidrug therapy (MDT) is the standard treatment for leprosy.
- Understanding relapse rates and influencing factors is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify relapse rates in multibacillary leprosy patients post-MDT.
- To identify factors associated with leprosy relapse after treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 300 multibacillary leprosy patients treated with MDT (1986-2002).
- Clinical and bacteriological follow-up of 163 patients for up to 18 years.
- Analysis of relapse rates and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- A crude cumulative relapse rate of 1.84% was observed over an 18-year follow-up period.
- The relapse rate was 0.26 per 100 person-years.
- Three cases relapsed at 2, 4, and 11 years post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- The relapse rate following WHO-recommended MDT for leprosy is low.
- Pre-treatment bacterial load is a significant predictor of leprosy relapse.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...