Combined therapy in leprosy. Background and findings

This report is based on data obtained from 64 lepromatous cases. Despite many years of DDS monotherapy, the homogenates from biopsies of these patients revealed 10(4) or more bacteria. From the beginning of combination therapy with synergistic-acting substances (rifampicin + isoprodian (INH + PTH + DDS) the logarithms of the number of bacteria in the homogenates decreased, both during treatment period and during treatment-free observation period (Figs. 3--8). During the whole time biopsies were taken almost monthly. A considerable regression of the bacterial mass or even "negativity" could be observed within a relatively short time. Once started, the process of reduction of bacteria continued also after termination of therapy. To be able to evaluate a medication, therapy-free observation periods (for a minimum of 5 years) are indispensable.