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Leprosy reactions: coinfections as a possible risk factor
Ana Carolina F Motta1, Karla Juliana Pereira, Daniela Chaves Tarquínio
1Division of Dermatology, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. anacfm@usp.br
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|October 17, 2012
Summary
Coinfections are common in leprosy patients and are associated with an increased risk of developing leprosy reactions, particularly Erythema Nodosum Leprosum. Oral coinfections were most frequent, suggesting a link between these conditions and leprosy complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, can present with complex reactional episodes.
- Coinfections are frequently observed in individuals with leprosy, potentially influencing disease progression and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of coinfections in leprosy patients.
- To investigate the association between coinfections and the occurrence of leprosy reactional episodes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed medical records of 225 leprosy patients from 2000-2010.
- Data included patient demographics, leprosy classification, treatment, reactions, and diagnosed coinfections.
- Multinomial logistic regression assessed associations between leprosy reactions and patient characteristics, including coinfections.
Main Results:
- 39.1% of leprosy patients had coinfections, most commonly oral infections (45.5%).
- Coinfections were significantly associated with leprosy reactions (OR 2.26; p<0.0001).
- Erythema Nodosum Leprosum was more prevalent in multibacillary leprosy patients with coinfections.
Conclusions:
- Coinfections play a role in the development and persistence of leprosy reactions.
- Identifying and managing coinfections may be crucial for managing leprosy patients and preventing complications.
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