Demographic and clinical profile of patients with leprosy in Lagos, Nigeria: a 17-year retrospective study

Nigeria continues to report over 2000 new leprosy cases annually. This retrospective study reviewed leprosy case records from 2006 to 2023 at a teaching hospital (TH) and a leprosy treatment referral centre (LTRC) in Lagos, Nigeria. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were analysed and challenges highlighted. At the TH, 96 patients with leprosy were seen. The median age was 34.6 years (range 11-79); 61 (64%) were male; and 75% had multibacillary disease. At the LTRC, 354 patients were seen. The median age was 39.8 years (range 7-85); 230 (65%) were male; and 349 (98.6%) had multibacillary disease. Late presentation was common in both centres. Most patients received multidrug therapy at the LTRC, but of 450 patient records overall, 52 defaulted from care (19 from the TH; 33 from the LTRC). Between 2017 and 2023, 25% of patients (37 of 149), including 2.7% aged < 15 years, presented with grade 2 disability. Leprosy cases have declined in Lagos, but delayed presentation, inadequate frontline diagnostic capacity and weak surveillance systems contribute to sustained morbidity. Strengthening health worker knowledge and surveillance in an integrated approach is essential for leprosy control. Teaser text.