Study of clinico-epidemiological profile of leprosy patients at tertiary care center

Background: Leprosy is often mentioned as the oldest disease known to man, the origins of which are lost in the mists of antiquity. In spite of having been declared eliminated in December 2005 from India as a public health problem, India has still 60% of the entire global case load. Methods: A total of 60 Leprosy patients belonged to Ujjain and its adjoining districts, attending the outpatient department of dermatology at R.D Gardi medical college, Ujjain (M.P.). Over a period of 1 year i.e. January 2019 to December 2019 constituted the subject material for study. The data was analysed for clinico-epidemiological characteristic and relevant investigations were done. Results: A total of 60 patients attended the leprosy clinic during the study period. Maximum number of patient belonged to age groups of 21-40 years. Male preponderance with M:F ratio was 3:1. Family history was seen in 3 patients (5.0%). 73.3% patients were from rural area. Borderline tuberculoid (19 patients) was commonest clinical presentation and 2 cases of childhood leprosy were recorded. Conclusions: The present study gives a general picture about the current trends of Leprosy in this particular region and highlights the importance of clinico-epidemiological profile and relevant investigations. This study emphasizes the need of spread of awareness about the disease, facilities for investigation and early diagnosis.