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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
11:36

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs

Published on: April 21, 2012

Leprosy in children: a Cuban experience on leprosy control

Jenny Laura Ruiz-Fuentes1, Raisa Rumbaut Castillo2, Laura de la Caridad Hurtado Gascón3

  • 1Bateriology and Micology Department, Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute, La Habana, Cuba.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|December 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Cuba diagnosed 103 childhood leprosy cases between 2000-2017, highlighting ongoing transmission. Early detection through health education and contact tracing is crucial for reducing the disease burden.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood leprosy is a key indicator of community disease transmission and control program effectiveness.
  • While not a national health issue, Cuba diagnoses new childhood leprosy cases annually.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Cuba's experience in controlling childhood leprosy over the last 20 years.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of childhood leprosy case data in Cuba from 2000 to 2017.
  • Review of case detection methods, clinical presentation, and disability rates.

Main Results:

  • 103 childhood leprosy cases were diagnosed between 2000-2017 across 13 provinces.
  • Most cases were multibacillary (66%), with 60% presenting with over five lesions.
  • Voluntary reporting was the primary detection method; familial/extrafamilial contact indicated ongoing transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Early case detection via health education, consistent multidrug therapy (MDT), and contact tracing are vital for reducing leprosy burden.
  • Combined clinical surveillance and laboratory testing may enhance early childhood leprosy detection.
Abstract

Keywords:
dermatologytropical infectious disease

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