Epidemiological and clinical aspects of leprosy in Indian armed forces

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of leprosy in 1911 cases of the disease in armed forces personnel were studied. Typewise distribution of cases was Tuberculoid 53.53%, Lepromatous 20.57%, Indeterminate 8.74%, Borderline 11.67% and Polyneuritic 5.49%. Maximum leprosy cases occurred in those belonging to Uttar Pradesh 17.11%. Maximum number of cases were detected (88.55%) in age group 20-39 years. Incidence of leprosy increased with increased years of service. 11.82% patients were illiterate. 89.85% patients earned Rs. 200 to 499 per month. 56.08% patients had no landed property. Houses of 47.29% cases were located in congested areas. 68.23% patients had to support larger families. In 95.94% cases no family members were examined for leprosy. Diet, smoking and alcohol appear to have had no relation to disease in cases studied. Clinical presentation of cases was classical and typespecific. Skin eruption and loss of sensation were the commonest symptoms. Leprosy lesions were detected on almost all parts of body. Thermal sensation was the commonest modality lost. Ulnar, lateral popliteal and greater auricular were the frequently affected nerves. Amongst complications paralytic deformities were common (16.09%). 545 complications were detected in 1911 cases. While 84.29% patients had put in more than 4 years of service, the source of infection was known only in 0.57% positively (intrafamilial).