1
|
Huang CY, Su SB, Chen KT. An update of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of leprosy: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39006. [PMID: 39183407 PMCID: PMC11346855 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is an infectious disease that remains a public health concern. It is caused by acid-fast Bacillus leprae, which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves, potentially leading to long-term disability and stigma. However, current and previous efforts have focused on developing better diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for leprosy, and its prevention needs to be addressed. In this review, we organize the currently published papers and provide updates on the global epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of leprosy. Several online databases, including MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched to collect relevant published papers. As a public health issue, the World Health Organization set the goal of leprosy elimination with a prevalence of <1 case per 10,000 people, which was achieved in 2000 and in most countries by 2010, mainly owing to the treatment of leprosy using drugs starting in 1980 and no-cost access for patients since 1995. Although diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have improved, the new occurrence of leprosy remains a critical global disease burden. With continuous technological improvements in diagnosing and treating leprosy, obtaining more relevant healthcare knowledge and preventing leprosy disability are crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yuan Huang
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Bin Su
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kow-Tong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hasker E, Assoumani Y, Randrianantoandro A, Ramboarina S, Braet SM, Cauchoix B, Baco A, Mzembaba A, Salim Z, Amidy M, Grillone S, Attoumani N, Grillone SH, Ronse M, Peeters Grietens K, Rakoto-Andrianarivelo M, Harinjatovo H, Supply P, Snijders R, Hoof C, Tsoumanis A, Suffys P, Rasamoelina T, Corstjens P, Ortuno-Gutierrez N, Geluk A, Cambau E, de Jong BC. Post-exposure prophylaxis in leprosy (PEOPLE): a cluster randomised trial. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1017-e1026. [PMID: 38762282 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) using single-dose rifampicin reduces progression from infection with Mycobacterium leprae to leprosy disease. We compared effectiveness of different administration modalities, using a higher (20 mg/kg) dose of rifampicin-single double-dose rifampicin (SDDR)-PEP. METHODS We did a cluster randomised study in 16 villages in Madagascar and 48 villages in Comoros. Villages were randomly assigned to four study arms and inhabitants were screened once a year for leprosy, for 4 consecutive years. All permanent residents (no age restriction) were eligible to participate and all identified patients with leprosy were treated with multidrug therapy (SDDR-PEP was provided to asymptomatic contacts aged ≥2 years). Arm 1 was the comparator arm, in which no PEP was provided. In arm 2, SDDR-PEP was provided to household contacts of patients with leprosy, whereas arm 3 extended SDDR-PEP to anyone living within 100 m. In arm 4, SDDR-PEP was offered to household contacts and to anyone living within 100 m and testing positive to anti-phenolic glycolipid-I. The main outcome was the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of leprosy between the comparator arm and each of the intervention arms. We also assessed the individual protective effect of SDDR-PEP and explored spatial associations. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03662022, and is completed. FINDINGS Between Jan 11, 2019, and Jan 16, 2023, we enrolled 109 436 individuals, of whom 95 762 had evaluable follow-up data. Our primary analysis showed a non-significant reduction in leprosy incidence in arm 2 (IRR 0·95), arm 3 (IRR 0·80), and arm 4 (IRR 0·58). After controlling for baseline prevalence, the reduction in arm 3 became stronger and significant (IRR 0·56, p=0·0030). At an individual level SDDR-PEP was also protective with an IRR of 0·55 (p=0·0050). Risk of leprosy was two to four times higher for those living within 75 m of an index patient at baseline. INTERPRETATION SDDR-PEP appears to protect against leprosy but less than anticipated. Strong spatial associations were observed within 75 m of index patients. Targeted door-to-door screening around index patients complemented by a blanket SDDR-PEP approach will probably have a substantial effect on transmission. FUNDING European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. TRANSLATION For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Epco Hasker
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Abdallah Baco
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | | | - Zahara Salim
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | - Mohammed Amidy
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | - Saverio Grillone
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | - Nissad Attoumani
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Moroni, Comoros
| | | | - Maya Ronse
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Philip Supply
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | | | | | - Philip Suffys
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Laboratory of Molecular Biology Applied to Mycobacteria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuelle Cambau
- Inserm, IAME, Université Paris Cité, UMR 1137, Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Service de Mycobacteriologie Specialisee et de Reference, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang H. Evidence of leprosy post exposure prophylaxis in highly endemic regions. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e905-e906. [PMID: 38762292 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Mycobacterium, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology & Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hinders DC, Taal AT, Lisam S, da Rocha AM, Banstola NL, Bhandari P, Saha A, Kishore J, Fernandes VO, Chowdhury AS, van 't Noordende AT, Mieras L, Richardus JH, van Brakel WH. The PEP++ study protocol: a cluster-randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of an enhanced regimen of post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts of persons affected by leprosy to prevent disease transmission. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:226. [PMID: 38378497 PMCID: PMC10877766 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy is an infectious disease with a slow decline in global annual caseload in the past two decades. Active case finding and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a single dose of rifampicin (SDR) are recommended by the World Health Organization as measures for leprosy elimination. However, more potent PEP regimens are needed to increase the effect in groups highest at risk (i.e., household members and blood relatives, especially of multibacillary patients). The PEP++ trial will assess the effectiveness of an enhanced preventive regimen against leprosy in high-endemic districts in India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal compared with SDR-PEP. METHODS The PEP++ study is a cluster-randomised controlled trial in selected districts of India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Sub-districts will be allocated randomly to the intervention and control arms. Leprosy patients detected from 2015 - 22 living in the districts will be approached to list their close contacts for enrolment in the study. All consenting participants will be screened for signs and symptoms of leprosy and tuberculosis (TB). In the intervention arm, eligible contacts receive the enhanced PEP++ regimen with three doses of rifampicin (150 - 600 mg) and clarithromycin (150 - 500 mg) administered at four-weekly intervals, whereas those in the control arm receive SDR-PEP. Follow-up screening for leprosy will be done for each individual two years after the final dose is administered. Cox' proportion hazards analysis and Poisson regression will be used to compare the incidence rate ratios between the intervention and control areas as the primary study outcome. DISCUSSION Past studies have shown that the level of SDR-PEP effectiveness is not uniform across contexts or in relation to leprosy patients. To address this, a number of recent trials are seeking to strengthen PEP regimens either through the use of new medications or by increasing the dosage of the existing ones. However, few studies focus on the impact of multiple doses of chemoprophylaxis using a combination of antibiotics. The PEP++ trial will investigate effectiveness of both an enhanced regimen and use geospatial analysis for PEP administration in the study communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NL7022 on the Dutch Trial Register on April 12, 2018. Protocol version 9.0 updated on 18 August 2022 https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/23060.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jugal Kishore
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College/Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li X, Ma Y, Li G, Jin G, Xu L, Li Y, Wei P, Zhang L. Leprosy: treatment, prevention, immune response and gene function. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1298749. [PMID: 38440733 PMCID: PMC10909994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the leprosy cases have fallen dramatically, the incidence of leprosy has remained stable over the past years, indicating that multidrug therapy seems unable to eradicate leprosy. More seriously, the emergence of rifampicin-resistant strains also affects the effectiveness of treatment. Immunoprophylaxis was mainly carried out through vaccination with the BCG but also included vaccines such as LepVax and MiP. Meanwhile, it is well known that the infection and pathogenesis largely depend on the host's genetic background and immunity, with the onset of the disease being genetically regulated. The immune process heavily influences the clinical course of the disease. However, the impact of immune processes and genetic regulation of leprosy on pathogenesis and immunological levels is largely unknown. Therefore, we summarize the latest research progress in leprosy treatment, prevention, immunity and gene function. The comprehensive research in these areas will help elucidate the pathogenesis of leprosy and provide a basis for developing leprosy elimination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Ma
- Chronic Infectious Disease Control Section, Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nantong, China
| | - Guoli Li
- Department of Chronic Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangjie Jin
- Department of Chronic Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pingmin Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lianhua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Chronic Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang M, Qiao L, Sun P, Jiang H, Shi Y, Zhang W, Mei Y, Yu M, Wang H. Spatiotemporal pattern of leprosy in southwest China from 2010 to 2020: an ecological study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:465. [PMID: 38355478 PMCID: PMC10865634 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite many efforts to control leprosy worldwide, it is still a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income regions. It has been endemic in China for thousands of years, and southwest China has the highest leprosy burden in the country. METHODS This observational study was conducted with all newly detected leprosy cases in southwest China from 2010 to 2020. Data were extracted from the Leprosy Management Information System (LEPMIS) database in China. The Joinpoint model was used to determine the time trends in the study area. Spatial autocorrelation statistics was performed to understand spatial distribution of leprosy cases. Spatial scan statistics was applied to identify significant clusters with high rate. RESULTS A total of 4801 newly detected leprosy cases were reported in southwest China over 11 years. The temporal trends declined stably. The new case detection rate (NCDR) dropped from 4.38/1,000,000 population in 2010 to 1.25/1,000,000 population in 2020, with an average decrease of 12.24% (95% CI: -14.0 to - 10.5; P < 0.001). Results of global spatial autocorrelation showed that leprosy cases presented clustering distribution in the study area. Most likely clusters were identified during the study period and were frequently located at Yunnan or the border areas between Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces. Secondary clusters were always located in the western counties, the border areas between Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces. CONCLUSIONS Geographic regions characterized by clusters with high rates were considered as leprosy high-risk areas. The findings of this study could be used to design leprosy control measures and provide indications to strengthen the surveillance of high-risk areas. These areas should be prioritized in the allocation of resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longchong Qiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peiwen Sun
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiqin Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenyue Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youming Mei
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meiwen Yu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- National Centre for Leprosy Control, China CDC, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hsieh CL, Hsiao PF. Diagnosis and Treatment of Leprosy in Taiwan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiaty Center. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3655. [PMID: 38132239 PMCID: PMC10742743 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, over 200,000 new cases of leprosy are reported annually worldwide. Although leprosy was thought to have been eradicated in Taiwan, a few new cases still occur annually. Protean clinical manifestations of leprosy and immunological reactions result in delayed diagnoses. In addition, drug-resistant leprosy is emerging and poses treatment challenges. In this retrospective study, we collected and analyzed the clinicopathological features, leprosy type, treatment response, and relapse rate of patients with leprosy in our hospital between January 2009 and November 2022. We found that 54% of patients were Indonesian, and borderline lepromatous leprosy was predominant (39%); moreover, histoid leprosy and the Lucio phenomenon were also reported. Polymerase chain reaction analysis identified four positive cases, including a dapsone-resistant (4%) case. Our findings indicated good control of leprosy and a lower rate of dapsone resistance than that reported by the World Health Organization (4% vs. 13%) from 2009 to 2015. We found that the patient profile in terms of the treatment duration, recurrence rate, systemic symptoms, and neurological symptoms did not differ between before and during the pandemic. We report the recent advances in leprosy diagnosis, drug-resistant gene mutations, post-exposure prophylaxis, vaccination, and the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on leprosy to facilitate updated leprosy diagnosis and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Dermatology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Pa-Fan Hsiao
- Department of Dermatology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei 11260, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yotsu RR, Bedimo R. Rifapentine in Household Contacts of Patients with Leprosy. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:672-673. [PMID: 37585641 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2307364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rie R Yotsu
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | | |
Collapse
|